Newcastle United had no intention of selling Bruno Guimaraes, says Ross Wilson

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson said the club had no intention of selling captain Bruno Guimaraes, despite reports linking the Brazil midfielder with a move to Arsenal.

British media reported on Wednesday that Arsenal had agreed a £75 million ($100 million) deal for the 28-year-old, although neither club has confirmed the transfer.

Speaking at Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Spain, Wilson said Guimaraes’ departure was never part of the club’s plans.

“We didn't want to sell Bruno. It wasn't in the plan to sell Bruno. None of us — or ownership — wanted to sell Bruno,” Wilson said.

“He's our captain, he was very important to us, and the debate over his price — it's a world-record fee for a player of his age.”

Wilson said the situation changed after Guimaraes made it clear that he wanted to leave Newcastle.

“What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.”

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from French side Olympique Lyonnais in January 2022 and has made 195 appearances in all competitions, scoring 31 goals.

He captained Newcastle to League Cup glory in 2025, helping the club end a long wait for domestic silverware.

Wilson insisted the transfer was not part of Newcastle’s summer strategy but said the club had to adapt.

“There’s no part in saying (the transfer) was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer - it wasn't. But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen.”

Newcastle open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on August 23rd.