Man City transfer could scupper Arsenal chances of landing long-term target
Manchester City's rumoured interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes could scupper Arsenal's chances of landing long-term target Alexander Isak.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the Sweden international, who has scored 42 goals in 82 appearances for the Magpies since his arrival from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022. Isak signed a long-term deal and remains under contract until at least 2028, but negotiations over fresh terms have proved unfruitful so far due to the player's reported desire to have a release clause included in his contract.
Newcastle were forced to sell some of their up and coming stars last summer in order to comply with the Premier League 's profit and sustainability (PSR) rules. Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were both moved on to league rivals, although Anthony Gordon was also heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
READ MORE: Major Nico Williams to Arsenal transfer twist as Mikel Arteta enters 'January talks'
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta drops clear Arsenal January transfer window hint amid Viktor Gyokeres link
The north east club's struggles could prompt further sales further down the line, but recent reports suggest Manchester City already have an eye on one of Newcastle's big stars. A report from The Times this week claims Guimaraes is among the midfield targets under consideration at the Etihad ahead of the January transfer window.
The Brazil international had a £100m release clause in his contract that expired at the end of June, but City opted against triggering it over the summer. The article states it is not yet known whether the Magpies would consider a lesser offer for their star midfielder.
From an Arsenal perspective, the concern centres around Newcastle potentially settling any future PSR fears with a sale of Guimaraes, which would take away any need to part ways with Isak. Eddie Howe's back up striker, Callum Wilson, also suffered an injury setback this month and will be sidelined for up to two months with a hamstring problem.
Newcastle's lack of depth in forward areas and the possibility of offloading players elsewhere in the squad could deliver a potential fatal blow to Arsenal's hopes of landing Isak in the upcoming transfer window. Mikel Arteta has switched between Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the number nine position this season, but the need for a clinical, devastating striker is glaring.
