Newcastle holding crunch Bruno Guimaraes talks after latest Arsenal bid
Newcastle United are planning to hold talks over the offer of a new contract for Bruno Guimaraes, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has been the subject of high-profile interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, but Newcastle are determined to prevent his departure.
Eddie Howe views the Brazil international as a key part of his starting XI and his long-term plans, and would be extremely reluctant to see him leave this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle could offer Guimaraes a new deal in an attempt to secure his long-term future.
This comes after Arsenal approached Newcastle with an offer of around £55million for the midfielder, which was swiftly turned down, and could return with a new bid.
There have also been reports of a release clause in Guimaraes' contract, which would likely be altered if he was to put pen to paper on fresh terms.
Could Bruno Guimaraes remain at Newcastle this summer?
Football Insider revealed on 1 July that Newcastle hope to end Arsenal's pursuit of Guimaraes by tabelling a new contract offer in a bid to convince him to stay.
Talks over a new deal are expected to take place in the near future, although he remains away at the World Cup as Brazil prepare for a round-of-16 clash with Norway.
His future is likely to be decided one way or another after the World Cup, and Newcastle are determined to come out on top rather than lose him to their rivals.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's a difficult situation for Newcastle because they don't want to lose Bruno Guimaraes.
"Obviously Arsenal had that inquiry quickly dismissed by Newcastle. They were never going to sell Bruno at £55 million or whatever that it was talked about.
"They'll be doing everything they can to try and keep hold of the Brazil international, and I'm sure there'll be talks over a new contract to try and end this speculation over his future.
"I don't think Arsenal's interest will go away. Obviously there's been disputes over whether he's a release clause or not in his deal at St James's Park right now as well."
Will Arsenal make another offer for Guimaraes?
Amid ongoing speculation about Guimaraes' future at Newcastle, they are determined to avoid facing another transfer saga similar to that of Alexander Isak last summer.
However, they may be dragged into a similar situation if they are unable to deter interest from Arsenal, who have been backed to accelerate their move to sign him.
Football Insider revealed on 3 July that Arsenal are ready to step up their move for Guimaraes after seeing an initial offer blocked, as they have not been deterred.
Newcastle are now in a "difficult situation" as they struggle to cling on to their best players following Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali's big-money departures.
Guimaraes could become their third major sale, with Arsenal looking to take advantage of ongoing instability following a frustrating season at St James' Park.