Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes has distanced himself from speculation regarding a move to Premier League giants Arsenal, speaking to Globo Esporte with just over a fortnight remaining in the January transfer window.
As sporting director Juninho looked on, Guimaraes looked up, spotted the run of Lucas Paqueta and produced a pinpoint pass that the Lyon legend would have been proud to call his own.
Dissecting the Paris Saint-Germain defence with one swing of his trusty right boot, Guimaraes’ sixth assist of the current campaign showcased exactly why he has so many admirers from all corners of the continent.
The vision to see the pass, the technique to pull it off; No wonder the 24-year-old Brazil international has been compared to Kevin de Bruyne.
The £37 million-rated Guimaraes admitted to GE recently that long-time admirers Arsenal had made ‘enquiries’ over the summer.
And after Mikel Arteta’s side exited the FA Cup at the hands of second-tier Nottingham Forest on Sunday – a game in which their lack of depth in central midfield was brutally exposed – few would be surprised if Arsenal came calling for Guimaraes again.
According to the London Evening Standard, top-flight rivals Everton and Newcastle United are also interested in the former Athletico Paranaense man.
Will Bruno Guimaraes leave Lyon for the Premier League?
“It’s normal,” Guimaraes said when quizzed by Globo Esporte about Arsenal’s interest. “Even more so in the transfer window.
“When you’re an Olympic champion (he won gold in Tokyo) and you have a good season individually, you’re called up to the national team… (the speculation) is normal in football.”
Guimaraes has another two-and-a-half years left on his Lyon contract.
Les Gones are under no immediate pressure to cash in then and, for the time being, Guimaraes is fully focused on helping Peter Bosz’s side recover from a miserable first half of the season.
Lyon are currently 11th in Ligue 1.
“At the moment, the total focus is to move Lyon up the table,” Guimaraes adds.
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