Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Bruno Guimarães has been ‘top-class’ for Newcastle United, months after Arsenal wanted to sign him.
During the January transfer window, Guimarães was Newcastle’s marquee signing as they snapped up the midfielder’s talents for £40 million from Lyon (Sky Sports).
There were suggestions that Arsenal were keen to add the 24-year-old to their ranks – but during the summer transfer window, as reported by the Telegraph.
The all-action midfielder recently netted a brace to help Newcastle beat Leicester City 2-1 at St James’ Park.
In the meantime, Mikel Arteta watched his Arsenal side lose their third consecutive game – most recently their 1-0 defeat at Southampton.
Perhaps if the Gunners pushed the button early on Guimarães, then he would have been in their colours, but instead, he’s showcasing his magic up north and Redknapp is loving what he is seeing from the player, as he told Sky Sports Premier League.
“He’s top-class,” said Redknapp. “He possesses great skill and work ethic. The Geordies will love his appetite for the game and his drive in the game.
“He has got a lovely touch and appreciation about players around him as well. I have been so impressed by him.
“Some players take their time to adapt to the Premier League, but he hasn’t. I remember Fabinho at Liverpool took a little bit of time and Jurgen Klopp wanted him to watch the league and see how tough it is to play in.
“This guy is a player you can look forward to in the future.”
There has been a lot of debate about the lack of action by Arsenal during the winter transfer window.
Whilst it was the right call to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave because it was for the better of the club.
At the end of the day, no-one was brought in to replace the Gabon star, nor was anybody brought into the middle of the park.
That has, so far, proven to be costly for this Arsenal side that is now seeing their top-four hopes slip away from them.
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