Eddie Howe unsure on Bruno Guimaraes future amid Arsenal interest

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed he has held positive discussions with Bruno Guimaraes, but remains unable to provide guarantees regarding the captain's future. With reports linking Arsenal to a £70m move for the Brazilian midfielder, uncertainty surrounds his status at St. James' Park.

"I've had some really good conversations with him before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup," Howe said following a pre-season friendly. "What we speak about has to remain private, but he's just a great player, a great person. I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to speculate about."

Despite parallels drawn to previous high-profile departures like Alexander Isak, Howe insisted there is currently nothing to suggest the midfielder will not return to training. He emphasized that the club and staff hold the captain in high regard and are keen to see him remain.

Newcastle's current strategy focuses on recruiting young talent, with new arrivals like Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba indicating a shift toward long-term development. Following the high-profile exit of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, Howe is focused on supporting the squad's transition while navigating the pressure of maintaining a competitive core. Keeping an established leader like Guimaraes is viewed as essential while the younger recruits adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.