Arsenal told to make £100m transfer for South American star who would ‘add something different’

Emmanuel Petit believes Newcastle United talent Bruno Guimaraes would fit in seamlessly at Arsenal and has the capacity to be one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players if signed.

Arsenal are expected to dip into the summer market for another midfielder to complement last year’s £105m recruit Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard. Both the Gunners and Manchester City have been linked with the playmaker, albeit Arteta is considered to be focusing on other targets first, despite admiration within the Emirates Stadium boardroom.

The Magpies are minding Premier League spending rules after splashing more than £500m since the Saudi Public Investment Fund takeover of 2021. The league's finance regulations restricted them from any transfer activity in January.

The cash flow from Champions League involvement this season will afford Newcastle more headspace in the summer, but they still might have to sell a key player or two to ensure they keep head above water, in spite of Eddie Howe’s determination to keep hold of every big asset.

Striker Alexander Isak is another star to have been linked with a switch to Arsenal, but former midfielder Petit believes Guimaraes - who could have a price tag of £100m - is the man who should be first poached from St James’ Park due to what he has to offer in midfield.

"He would add something different in terms of keeping the ball, position, technique - this is something very important for what I’ve said before, when you are tired on a pitch keeping the ball is integral,” he told compare.bet.

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“At the highest level when you’re tired physically and you’re tired mentally, you need to be better than your opponents, in terms of technique, keeping the ball, how you give passes and receive the ball.

“For me, Guimaraes is very good with the ball which would be very important if he comes to Arsenal. I have no worries about him settling in at Arsenal either."

Commenting on his future last month, Guimaraes - who has four goals and eight assists this season - insists he is content at Newcastle. He says that he envisages staying within the Premier League long-term and admitted a future move is probable.

The Brazilian said: ”It’s always been my dream to play here. I’ve always followed the Premier League. It was always my dream to be here. I think, ever since I joined Newcastle, everything has been good in my life professionally and personally.

“I’m very happy to be playing amongst the best in the best league in the world. I absolutely plan to play here for a long time. I have other goals as well of moving, but this is something more down the line. I’m really happy to be here in the league."