The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has reported that Arsenal failed to sign Bruno Guimaraes in the January window because they wanted to get the Brazilian in January – opening the door for Newcastle to sign him instead.
Bruno, 25, has since earned fan favourite status on Tyneside with a brace against Leicester on Sunday – as the Toon secured a late win, Bruno planting a diving header into the net past Kasper Schmeichel in injury time.
He has starred for Newcastle in his 11 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side, starting five of the last six Premier League matches. His goals have been brilliant, even though he was signed by the club for his defensive qualities.
Bruno was a target for Arsenal and Juventus in the summer, according to Edwards. But he explains how Newcastle beat both of those European heavyweights to land Bruno on a contract worth £90k a week (Telegraph).
“Bruno’s advisors were aware of interest from the likes of Arsenal and Juventus and there had been informal conversations. But they, like all his other suitors, did not have the money to spend in January,” Edwards says.
“Newcastle did. This was crucial. Everyone else wanted to wait until the summer. When Newcastle pushed hard enough on the door, it opened. It was too much to turn down and personal terms were also swiftly thrashed.”
Arsenal have missed on Newcastle star Bruno, even at £43million
Edwards reports that Newcastle paid £30million up front to Lyon, and the fee will eventually rise to £43million – comprising of add-ons that are expected to be met. So, a pricey deal for a midfielder to come from France.
But Bruno has turned out to be a sensational signing – one that has probably nearly doubled his initial outlay. Arsenal desperately need a midfielder and while it would have been a risk, £43million now seems a bargain.
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