Arsenal and Manchester City-linked midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has admitted that Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations could determine his future at Newcastle United.
Guimaraes is viewed as an integral first-team player for manager Eddie Howe, but the 26-year-old has been the subject of much speculation in recent months amid uncertainty over the Magpies' financial predicament.
Earlier this year, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales stated that the club may be required to sell some of their star players if they wish to avoid breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules and generate funds for new signings.
Guimaraes is one name who has been tipped to depart as a result, and is believed to have caught the eye of several top European clubs having starred at Newcastle ever since joining the club from Lyon for a reported £40m in January 2022.
The deep-lying midfielder has scored 17 goals and registered 16 assists in 107 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and 10 assists in 50 games last season.
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Guimaraes release clause on verge of expiring
Guimaraes has four years remaining on his Newcastle United contract that contains a £100m release clause, which will expire at the end of this month.
Arsenal, Man City and Paris Saint-Germain have all been strongly linked with a move for the Brazil international, although Football Insider claims that the trio have decided against activating his release clause before the deadline.
All three clubs remain in the race for Guimaraes, though, along with the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United, as Newcastle might be compelled to make a big-money sale later in the summer window in order to comply with FFP regulations.
Guimaraes has reiterated his happiness at Newcastle, but he has acknowledged the club's financial concerns and has refused to rule out an exit in the near future.
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Guimaraes unsure over Newcastle future
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Guimaraes said: "Look, my future, to be honest, is in God's hands. I have a contract with Newcastle, I'm very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I've been doing for the club. In short, I have a contract, I'm happy.
"I don't know what can happen, we know everything about Financial Fair Play, but what I can say is that I feel happy. It's obviously very nice to be associated with big clubs; it indicates that I'm performing well, but I'm not concerned about it, as I said, I'm happy at the club.
"I'm very happy, so let's see what happens. I'm not in any hurry, I'm happy, and it's up to God, let's see what happens."
Newcastle boss Howe stated in April that he is keen for the future of his star players to be decided as early as possible, telling reporters: "We don't want the constant speculation, I don't think that's healthy for the player or for us."
Guimaraes is currently away on international duty with Brazil in preparation for the 2024 Copa America.
Oliver Thomas
