Sources: Newcastle ready ‘bumper' Bruno Guimaraes deal to end Arsenal pursuit
Newcastle United are planning to tie star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes down to a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
Arsenal are pushing to strike a summer deal for the Brazil international, but Newcastle have no intention of selling as they look likely to lose Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies are expecting that Arsenal’s interest could cause a “transfer saga” with other clubs also keen, and they are reluctant to even put a valuation on the 28-year-old at the moment.
Sources have now indicated that they are ready to make "bumper new contract" offer to try to keep the former Lyon man at St James’ Park for several more years.
Guimaraes’ current deal on Tyneside has just two years left to run, which is potentially set to present a difficult situation for the club next summer.
Newcastle’s club captain notched a career-high nine goals in the Premier League last term, and also added five assists in what was an impressive individual campaign.
Newcastle desperate to avoid full midfield rebuild
Newcastle look set to face a significant rebuild of their squad this summer, having already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in the early stages of the summer.
Tonali appears to be closing in on a move to Tottenham, while there is also huge uncertainty surrounding the futures of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
However, amidst all the likely upheaval, Eddie Howe and Co. are keen to ensure that there is at least some continuity in the stronger areas of last season’s squad.
With Tonali seemingly heading for the exit door, the club are determined to keep hold of their other influential figure in Guimaraes.
Recent suggestions of a release clause in his current contract are reportedly wide of the mark, meaning that Newcastle are in total control of his destiny this summer.
Arsenal are pushing to make him part of their midfield for another title push, but it is Newcastle who hold the cards at the moment.
Tottenham not put off after Mateus Fernandes agreement
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Tottenham still want to sign Tonali even after agreeing an £85million fee for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Lilywhites are eyeing up a summer of investments in their squad, and Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to see both stars added to his midfield for next term.
That comes as bad news for Newcastle, who would have been hoping that the Lilywhites were content with just one big-money arrival in the form of Fernandes.
Instead, Spurs are set to continue working towards a deal for Tonali, with moves for both stars set to take their summer spending well over the £200m mark.