Exclusive: Bruno Guimaraes frustrated at Newcastle amid Arsenal interest

Updated: 4 Jul 2026 18:49 BST | 4 min read Exclusive © IMAGO Make us your Google favourite Bruno Guimaraes is understood to have serious concerns over Newcastle United's long-term ambitions, with growing uncertainty surrounding the club's direction fuelling fresh speculation over his future.Article continues under the videoFootballTransfers can reveal that the Brazil international has not asked to leave Newcastle, but sources indicate there is increasing unease behind the scenes.Speaking to well-placed sources, it has emerged that Guimaraes is worried about the club's trajectory, particularly amid questions over potential player departures and the long-term future of manager Eddie Howe. One source described the situation bluntly, insisting that "he's not happy" with how matters currently stand. The Newcastle project has not progressed as expected since his move in January 2022, despite two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup success.After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool last year and having already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer, Newcastle are now on the verge of also cashing in on Sandro Tonali, with reports earlier this week suggesting that a €117 million package had been agreed with Tottenham.Newcastle remain a stepping-stone club more than four years into the PIF-era, which is not exactly what was promised when the Saudi money arrived. The opening of a new state-of-the-art training ground, one of the assurances given to new recruits, still appears to be several years away. Guimaraes frustrated but exit not guaranteed Despite Guimaraes' frustration with Newcastle's stagnation, FootballTransfers has been told that he is more likely to stay than to leave as things stand. However, there is one major caveat: the situation could change if the Brazilian actively tries to force a move.This has not happened yet, but it is not being completely ruled out either. Sources close to the Brazil camp at the World Cup suggest that Guimaraes trying to push for an exit could become a realistic scenario this summer. © IMAGO - Bruno GuimaraesNaturally, Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of their captain, particularly following the sale of his midfield partner Tonali. Losing Gordon, Tonali and Guimaraes in one summer would be nothing short of devastating for the Magpies.Should the 28-year-old indeed choose the nuclear option and demand a move, Newcastle would demand "serious money," in the words of one source familiar with the club's transfer plans. They will not let him go cheaply.The situation is, of course, made all the more serious for Newcastle by the fact that Arsenal are actively exploring a move for Guimaraes. A verbal offer from the Gunners has reportedly already been rejected by the St. James' Park club.Guimaraes' representative Alexis Malavolta recently posted a picture on social media of himself alongside superagents Giuliano Bertolucci and Kia Joorabchian, both of whom are known to have strong ties to Arsenal. The timing likely wasn't a coincidence.It has been posited that Arsenal could return with a fresh offer for Guimaraes and that his head has been turned. At this stage, though, plenty of work still needs to be done before a transfer could become a concrete possibility.Guimaraes has not yet requested a transfer, but there are growing concerns at Newcastle that their captain could jump ship.Related stories:Build The FIFA World Cup 2026™: LEGO© releases stunning football-inspired collectionArsenal Transfer News Today: Successful hijack as Bradley Barcola greenlights moveTransfer Rumours: Chelsea signing agreed as Ayyoub Bouaddi request approvedPremier League summer transfers 2026: All the Done DealsThe FootballTransfers appCheck out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:•Google Play•App Store