Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal transfer latest as Newcastle midfielder breaks silence

Newcastle United playmaker Bruno Guimaraes has revealed he has spoken with Man City boss Pep Guardiola amid ongoing transfer interest in the Brazil international.

Man City and Arsenal were two of the clubs credited with an interest in the Magpies' midfielder during the recent summer transfer window. Eddie Howe's side were reportedly open to talks to sell Guimaraes as the club scrambled to pass the Premier League's PSR rules.

However, the departures of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson meant they were able to keep their midfield talisman at the club beyond that deadline. There was then further speculation, linking both clubs with Guimaraes after a £100million buyout clause was revealed in his new Magpies' contract.

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Again, neither club would activate said clause and he'd remain with Newcastle for the start of the current campaign, with the transfer window closing. Guimaraes has now spoken about the recent transfer interest in him this summer, playing down suggestions of a move away from St. James' Park, though he did reveal a conversation with Arsenal's title rivals.

In an interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Guimaraes said: “I believe that at my club I am an idol and I have a lot of respect. I am the captain of Newcastle and it is something that if you had asked me three years ago, my biggest dream would have been to play in the Premier League.

“Playing, being an idol, being captain is something wonderful. I really like Newcastle. Of course, having Manchester City ’s interest shows that I am at a high level, but it was nothing more than interest. I know that Guardiola likes my football, it is normal to have great coaches who admire your football.

“We [Bruno and Guardiola] have spoken once. I praised his work, he praised my work, but it was nothing more than that.”