Arsenal may be able to land Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes for a relatively cut-price this summer, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
Guimaraes caught the eye once again for Newcastle last season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. This impressive campaign has prompted the Gunners to explore the possibility of signing the Brazilian, with some reports suggesting a market opportunity could be on the cards due to the player’s contractual situation and the Magpies’ failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Clarity on the potential fee Arsenal would need to stump up for the 28-year-old has now been provided in an intriguing transfer update.
Arsenal Could Sign Guimaraes for Just £65m
via Reuters
Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder after Martin Zubimendi struggled in the back half of last season, while Myles Lewis-Skelly’s stint in the middle of the park wasn’t quite long enough to bank on.
While Alex Scott and Ayyoub Bouaddi have been heavily linked, Guimaraes has emerged as the most likely candidate in recent days.
Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder told Arsenal journalist Tom Canton that an offer of £65 million could get a deal for the former Lyon man in motion.
“We are told that £65m could be the tipping point… it could be some type of verbal agreement between Bruno and his people,” Ryder said.
“If Arsenal turn that into an official bid, then the wheels might start moving.”
Newcastle paid £40 million for Guimaraes back in 2022, and they’d likely have hoped for a more substantial profit than £25 million in the scenario that they sold their talismanic number eight.
However, the Tynesiders have lost leverage by not securing European qualification, and by allowing the player’s contract to run into its final 24 months.
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Sandro Tonali’s Tottenham Move Could Complicate Bruno Guimaraes Deal
Tonali’s exit in particular is likely to impact Guimaraes’ prospective move. Newcastle will surely be reluctant to sanction the departure of their two best midfielders in the same window.
The windfall from generating around £170 million for the Italian and Gordon also means that the Magpies won’t exactly be strapped for cash. They have little reason to accept a slightly underwhelming offer for Guimaraes, beyond the threat of losing him for free in two years’ time.
In fact, some reports suggest that Newcastle are prepared to offer their captain a bumper new contract to fend off Arsenal’s interest, despite these reports that indicate a move could be on the cards.
As any England fan will tell you, the men’s national team never like to do things the easy way. Sometimes that presents itself as a last-gasp winner. But sometimes that comes in the form of a few disciplinary detours.
Whether it stems from geographical proximity or a controversial chapter in a major tournament, England’s tapestry of fierce rivals is an intriguing one to unpick. But who are the biggest sporting enemies on The Three Lions’ list?
Germany
REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach JOH/AA
This rivalry goes beyond football. The historical ties from the two World Wars of the 20th century have informed this great feud, with their incredible clashes creating some of the most memorable footballing moments in recent times. Who could forget the drama of England’s 1966 World Cup Final win at the expense of Germany? But the Germans inflicted their own heartbreak at the 1990 World Cup and Euro ’96, eliminating England on penalties at the semifinal stage on both occasions.
More recently, England fans still fondly remember the 1-5 thumping in Munich. But they also wince at the thought of Frank Lampard’s ghost goal in 2010.
It would be reignited at the 1998 tournament, with David Beckham controversially being sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone before England crashed out on penalties. Beckham would have his revenge though. His winning penalty in the 2002 World Cup encounter helped to condemn Albiceleste to a shock group stage exit.
The oldest international fixture in world football, England and Scotland’s rivalry began on November 30th 1872 with a 0-0 draw. Since then, there have been many memorable episodes.
The rivalry was renewed every year by the annual British Home Championship that took place from 1884 to 1984. There was also the incredible spectacle of Scotland victory at Hampden Park in 1937. Just under 150,000 fans packed into the stadium for the match — an all-time European attendance record that still stands today. And who could forget the 1977 Wembley pitch invasion after Scotland’s 2-1 win? The Tartan Army stormed on, famously snapping the crossbars in celebration.
England’s record against Scotland
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
116
49
41
26
Ireland
REUTERS/Damien Eagers
Despite just 18 encounters overall, the England-Ireland rivalry has endured in part thanks to the two nations’ complex social and political relationship.
Ireland made history in 1949 with their 0-2 win at Goodison Park. They became the first non-British team to beat England on home soil. Ireland also won the first major tournament meeting between the two, courtesy of a Ray Houghton winner at Euro ’88. The rivalry is also infamously remembered for the 1995 Lansdowne Road riot that saw a friendly in Dublin abandoned after 27 minutes due to severe rioting by a number of English hooligans.
The rivalry was recently renewed by the debate over dual nationality. Both Declan Rice and Jack Grealish switched eligibility to England, having already represented Ireland. Grealish had played for the U21s six times, whilst Rice made three senior appearances for Ireland. Both players were heavily booed during the 2024 Nations League clash before both ironically scored the game’s only two goals.
England’s record against Ireland
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
19
8
8
2
Croatia
Christian Hartmann via Reuters
Not quite a bitter rivalry, but one forged in destiny. England, for some reason, are inexplicably linked to the south-east European side. And whilst the two nations lack historical hatred, their respectful rivalry is marked by several dramatic modern moments.
Chief among them, England’s 2018 World Cup heartbreak. After Kieran Trippier’s opening goal in the semifinal, Croatia fought back to force extra time. Mario Mandzukic’s 109th minute winner was ecstasy for Croatia, but agony for the Three Lions.
Croatia also shockingly knocked ended England’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. With England needing a win to break into the top two in Group E, the excellent Croatian team defeated England 2-3 at Wembley. The enduring image of that night was England manager Steve McLaren shielding himself with an umbrella as European qualification slipped away. He was relieved of his duties the following day.
Pubs across the country are set to stay open until the early hours for England’s Round of 16 match against Mexico. The World Cup knockout kicks-off at 1am on Monday, July 6, which equates to 6pm in Mexico City, and Keir Starmer is set to introduce an emergency law change so that pubs can remain open until 5am.
The UK Prime Minister is set to leave his position on July 9, but has won back some people’s trust following one of his final decisions in Number 10.
There is a lot of excitement in N17 at present with Tottenham splashing the cash for Roberto De Zerbi.
Following back-to-back 17th place finishes, Spurs are spending big as they look to get back to their previous heights towards the top of the Premier League table.
Signing Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers to bolster their squad, last month the club also completed the £52m signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Much more still needs to be done in improving De Zerbi’s squad, with attacking players required after the club’s struggles in the final third last season.
Leao option
One position Tottenham need to address is on the left of their attack after failing to replace Son Heung-min following his switch to LAFC last August.
According to The Independent, Bournemouth ace Eli Junior Kroupi tops a three-player shortlist for that position.
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, with the Cherries looking to receive over £80m if they decide to cash in on their highly-rated attacker.
In terms of Leao, he would be another statement signing if Tottenham can agree on a deal with Milan for ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’.
Mainly operating from the left but also capable of playing centrally, the Portugal international has contributed regularly for the Rossoneri with 80 goals and 65 assists in 291 games for the Italian giants.
After already agreeing on transfers for Fernandes and Tonali, a move for Leao would be a real signal of intent from Tottenham that they really do mean business in the transfer market after their recent Premier League woes.
Tottenham’s attacking needs
Richarlisonvia Reuters
Tottenham desperately need to improve in the final third if they are to climb the Premier League table.
Last season, Richarlison finished top goalscorer in all competitions with 12 goals, and it was defensive players Joao Palhinha, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero who were next in line in the charts.
Dominic Solanke could only manage six goals in an injury-hit campaign, with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani both contributing five and Mathys Tel chipping in with four.
Given the need for goals, Leao could more than play his part after hitting double figures for Milan in each of his last five seasons at the San Siro.
Following the club’s desire to improve their midfield with the additions of Fernandes and Tonali, Tottenham now need to do likewise in attack if they are to make big strides under De Zerbi.