Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted he is uncertain about the future of club captain Bruno Guimaraes, as Arsenal reportedly prepare a substantial offer for the Brazilian midfielder. The Premier League champions are understood to be readying a £70 million bid for Guimaraes, who has not yet joined up with the Newcastle squad after his involvement in the World Cup.
Speaking after Newcastle's 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Gateshead on Saturday, Howe confirmed he has been in contact with Guimaraes but could not provide assurances about his long-term stay at St James' Park. "I've spoken to him as I would do with Bruno normally," Howe stated. "He is a fantastic person and we have had some really good conversations both before, during and after the World Cup. What we speak about obviously has to remain private but he is a great player and a great person."
Howe further elaborated on the uncertainty, adding, "Look, I don’t know what is going to happen with Bruno. That is up to other people to speculate about but also other people to have conversations about which I’m not a part of." Guimaraes is currently on holiday with his family following Brazil's disappointing World Cup last-16 exit to Norway and is scheduled to join Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Concerns have been raised among some Newcastle supporters that Guimaraes' situation could mirror the contentious transfer saga involving Alexander Isak last summer, who reportedly went on strike to force a move to Liverpool. However, Howe was quick to shut down such comparisons, emphasising the distinct nature of the current situation. "I don’t think it is fair to compare situations and what happened previously. You’ve got to look at this in its own right," he asserted.
The Newcastle boss reaffirmed his admiration for Guimaraes, highlighting his commitment to the club thus far. "Bruno is captain of our football club. He has been an unbelievable player and person all the time we have worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club when I say we absolutely love him and of course everyone wants him to stay," Howe said. He added, "The plan is for him to come back on July 31, he gets an extended break because of the World Cup and is currently enjoying a holiday with his family... There is nothing to say that Bruno won’t be back training with us."