Arsenal Pursue Bruno Guimaraes Amid Newcastle's Interest in Froholdt

Arsenal have made their move for Bruno Guimaraes. The message back from Newcastle on Monday was blunt: not enough.

The Gunners want the Brazilian to be their first major signing of the summer and have already seen an opening bid knocked back. It has not cooled their interest. If anything, it has sharpened it.

Guimaraes is currently with Newcastle’s squad at their pre-season camp in Spain, but the midfielder has made his position clear. Standard Sport understands he has expressed a desire to join Arsenal, with reports elsewhere claiming personal terms on a five-year deal are already in place.

The expectation around the deal is growing. Those close to the situation believe an agreement could be struck in the coming days, with Arsenal encouraged by signs that Newcastle are actively planning for life without their midfield lynchpin.

Newcastle turn to Froholdt

The clearest hint came from Portugal. According to O Jogo, Newcastle have made their first concrete move for Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt, contacting the Dane’s representatives to explore a transfer.

It is a calculated step. Newcastle have endured a string of public rejections over the past year, so they are sounding out Froholdt’s interest before going anywhere near formal talks. They do not want another chase that ends in a dead end.

This one will not be straightforward either. Froholdt has been open about his desire to stay at Porto, and the numbers involved are heavy. The 25-year-old has a release clause set at £73.4 million, a figure that immediately complicates any negotiation.

Fresh from being named Primeira Liga’s Player of the Season, Froholdt has every reason to feel settled. He recently underlined his commitment to Porto, stressing both his satisfaction at the club and his focus on the title race.

“People talk about taking the next step, but for me Porto is already a huge club,” he said. “I am focused on the next league match. I like being here. Now we are going all out for the championship.”

Those words do not slam the door shut, but they leave Newcastle with work to do. Arsenal wait on one side of the deal, Newcastle wrestle with the other. If Guimaraes is to walk through the Emirates doors, someone in Porto may first have to be persuaded to leave.