"I never said I would like to leave!” - Arsenal suffer blow as Premier League star confirms plans to stay at current club
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has seemingly confirmed that he will continue playing at St.James' Park amid interest from Arsenal this summer. The Brazilian midfielder has been impressive since coming to the Premier League in January 2022 from Lyon for a reported fee of €42.10 million.
As a result, he's been linked with a move to a top side like Arsenal, who are looking for a suitable midfield partner for Declan Rice. With Guimaraes sitting in the number six role, it would have allowed Rice to operate as a box-to-box player, which earned him success in the 2023/24 season.
However, the 26-year-old has hinted at the fact that he won't be going anywhere and said (via The Athletic):
"I never said I would like to leave. I've always said I want to put my name in the club's history and that hasn't changed. I want to be in the Champions League again, I want to win something for the club. This is still my dream."
He added:
"I'm very happy. The gaffer has given me a big responsibility to be in the leadership group. I want to be a leader. Greatful to him and his staff and it's time for me to deliver something special for them."
After playing in Europe's highest club competition last year, the Magpies won't be doing so this time around following their seventh-place league finish. To date, Guimaraes has made 107 appearances across competitions for Newcastle United, bagging 17 goals and 16 assists.
They get their 2024/25 Premier League campaign underway at home against Southampton on August 17.
Mikel Merino wants Arsenal move over Barcelona- Reports
Arsenal continue their search for a new midfielder this summer, and Mikel Merino has emerged as a potential prospect. The Gunners have received a massive boost in their pursuit of the Spain international, who has also been linked with a move to Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the central midfielder from Real Sociedad has picked a move to the Emirates over Camp Nou (via GOAL). With the player capable of occupying the defensive midfield position as well, he would be a huge upgrade to the current players at Mikel Arteta's disposal.
Should the 28-year-old arrive in north London this summer, his starting place is far from guaranteed. He will have to fend off competition from Thomas Partey in the holding midfield role while competing with Leandro Trossard and potentially Kai Havertz in a more advanced position.