Bruno Guimaraes is close to moving to «Arsenal». Renowned journalist Henry Winter has commented on the impending transfer of the Brazilian from «Newcastle».
According to the expert, this departure will be a huge blow for the Magpies.
«Bruno Guimaraes is a technically brilliant midfielder, exceptional in ball control under pressure, but he is much more; he is a motivator, a leader, a warrior, a hunter of lost balls and hopeless situations. The charismatic Brazilian will be a massive loss for «Newcastle» tactically, technically, and emotionally,» Henry Winter wrote on his social media.
«His departure will be more painful than the exits of Sandro Tonali or Anthony Gordon. Guimaraes has «understood» «Newcastle», he has connected with the fans, embraced their passion, and enjoyed this special city. But from the moment he, at 28, began to reflect on his ambitions and how to best satisfy them, and respectfully expressed his desire to move on, the die was cast, and it all came down to the scale and timing of the deal,» the journalist added.
Winter believes the club's hierarchy is absolutely right to demand substantial financial compensation.
«Newcastle are absolutely correct to insist on an acceptable offer from «Arsenal» that reflects Guimaraes' importance to them on and off the pitch. In modern transfer language, this starts with an eight, not a seven,» the expert believes.
«In the current crazy market, with two years left on the contract and Tonali sold for £92 million (despite being two years younger), Guimaraes is an £80 million player (£75+5)», the journalist emphasised.
The journalist also rated the Brazilian's prospects in Mikel Arteta's team highly.
«He will further strengthen «Arsenal». As they embark on a long campaign across two fronts, the Premier League and the Champions League, plus two cups, «Arsenal» needs Guimaraes' dynamism. He can play as a six or an eight (preferring the eight),» Winter wrote.
«The «Arsenal» defenders will appreciate his tenacious work in front of them. Their forwards will thrive on his line-breaking passes. Their fans will love his commitment and technical quality.»
«He will blend excellently with Declan Rice, adding even more power to the champions' engine room. What this means for Martin Zubimendi, the versatile Mikel Merino, and the development of Myles Lewis-Skelly is, of course, a topic for discussion,» the journalist added.
«His arrival will allow Mikel Arteta to alleviate the enormous burden on Rice. If the deal does go through, Guimaraes would be a signing that strengthens the belief that «Arsenal» will retain the title,» Winter summarised.
