'Sorry mate, you've got two years left' - Bruno Guimaraes told Arsenal move isn't happening

Newcastle United should inform Bruno Guimaraes that his potential move to Arsenal will need to be put on hold.

That is the opinion of former senior Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The Magpies captain has asked to leave to join the Gunners, who reportedly failed with an opening proposal worth around £55million.

Guimaraes is under contract until St James' Park until 2028 with an option to add an additional year, allowing Newcastle to take a strong stance on his potential exit.

Decision-makers are still waiting for a first official bid from Arsenal, who hope to add the Brazil international to their midfield alongside Declan Rice.

Sandro Tonali has already left Newcastle this summer, and the pressure to sign new replacements is growing amid Johan Manzambi's decision to opt for Aston Villa.

Bryan King makes Bruno Guimaraes situation simple

Guimaraes is the heartbeat of the Newcastle team and his exit would be potentially fatal for Eddie Howe's project.

But for some time, there has been a growing feeling that a desire to leave would emerge from the captain.

Brazil's exit from the World Cup appears to have been the trigger that has prompted the former Lyon man to take action over his career.

At 28, Guimaraes' time at the top level is finite. He has won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle, but a league title or the genuine chance at the Champions League are unlikely to come at St James' Park.

Yet the Magpies have his contract and will not be willing to let him go without a fight.

"If he's got two years left on his contract, he isn't just going to walk out the club," King told Football Insider. "He's asked to go to Arsenal. Football's gone. He's asked to go to Arsenal.

"'Oh, excuse me, I'm fed up with Newcastle, I'd like to go to Arsenal.' You've still got two years of your contract left. If I was the football club, or the manager, or the people running the club, I'd say: 'Sorry mate, you've got two years of your contract.

"'Now, either you knuckle down and get on with the job here of putting this club in a situation to play in the Champions League again, or you can go to Arsenal, but it'll be in January.' Listen, when the tail starts wagging the dog, you're in trouble."

Newcastle in familiar situation

Newcastle have found themselves in the situation they do now with Guimaraes far too often in recent years.

Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Tonali and now their captain have been keen to leave the club.

The trouble for Newcastle is that the latter two have also taken place this summer, and a third major exit will risk a serious struggle next season.

The Magpies may ultimately feel that they have no choice, with the alternative to keep an unhappy player at the club.