Arsenal and Manchester City have reportedly suffered a major blow in the pursuit of Newcastle United playmaker Bruno Guimaraes.
Since making the high-profile switch from French outfit Lyon to St James' Park during the January transfer window of 2022, the 26-year-old has been a key figure for the Magpies as they have transformed from relegation candidates to a side who look set to regularly compete on the continental stage.
During Guimaraes's first full campaign at the North-East giants, Eddie Howe's men achieved a remarkable fourth-placed finish in the Premier League - subsequently qualifying for the 2023-24 Champion League - while also reaching the final of the EFL Cup at Wembley, where they lost out to Erik ten Hag's Manchester United.
After registering five goals and five assists during the 2022-23 term, the Brazil international has stepped up his attacking contribution even further over the past year, finding the net on seven occasions and providing 10 assists for teammates in 2023-24, including an assist in the Champions League.
Having cemented himself as one of the star players in the English top flight over the past two years, Guimaraes is now also a permanent fixture in the starting XI of Brazil, who will be gunning for their 10th Copa America crown this summer under the leadership of Dorival Junior.
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Arsenal, Man City hit with major Guimaraes blow?
According to The Evening Chronicle, a new release clause expiry date in the contract of Newcastle's Guimaraes has been revealed, representing bad news for potential suitors.
The report states that the Brazilian has a £100m release clause in his terms at St James' Park - a figure which has been widely claimed in recent months.
However, on the contrary to prior suggestions, it is understood that the deadline for interested parties to trigger the clause is June 24, earlier than previously believed.
Alongside European giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, it is said that Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester City are keen on a move for Guimaraes.
The Gunners and the Citizens went all the way to the final day in their top-flight title race, with Pep Guardiola's side eventually coming out on top to win their fourth straight Premier League trophy.
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Newcastle should be desperate to keep Guimaraes
Since a Saudi-backed takeover of the club, Newcastle's rise towards the upper echelons of the English game has been quicker than some expected, with the Magpies reaching the Champions League in 2023.
However, the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules are set to severely limit what Howe's troops can do in this summer's transfer window.
This has led to suggestions that the North-East giants could be forced to sell some of their star players to avoid sporting sanctions, with Guimaraes a massive asset for the club.
Despite this, Newcastle would do extremely well to keep hold of the 26-year-old, whose talents would be nearly impossible to replace should he depart to either the Etihad or the Emirates this summer.
The Magpies will be striving to stay strong and resist offers for Guimaraes, even if the likes of Arsenal come in with attractive player-plus-cash bids.
Carter White
