Arsenal are closing in on a summer move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian reportedly keen to leave St James’ Park this window.
The Gunners have been tracking Guimaraes for some time, and interest is expected to accelerate following the conclusion of the World Cup this summer.
Manchester United had also been mentioned as a potential destination, as they continue an ongoing overhaul of their midfield options heading into next season.
However, Man United legend Dwight Yorke has questioned whether Guimaraes would genuinely improve his former side’s chances of competing for major honours.
Yorke, 54, who wore the red shirt between 1998 and 2002, shared his thoughts with football odds compilers BOYLE Sports in a candid assessment of the Newcastle star.
“I don’t know about Bruno Guimaraes,” Yorke said. “I’m not sure he has been that impressive. I watched him play for Brazil at the World Cup and he’s not convinced me.”
The former striker acknowledged Guimaraes has qualities but raised doubts about whether those qualities justify the fee being demanded by Newcastle this summer.
“He’s a solid player and maybe he’s good enough to get into a team at the level Manchester United should be at but is going to take them to another level?” Yorke asked pointedly.
Newcastle are believed to be demanding somewhere in the region of £80-85 million for the midfielder, having already lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for £100 million this window.
The Magpies also missed out on Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, who completed a £50 million move to Aston Villa, leaving the club reluctant to sanction further departures.
Yorke was particularly critical of Guimaraes’ performances for Brazil on the World Cup stage, suggesting he failed to seize a major opportunity to announce himself to the world’s biggest clubs.
“The World Cup was an opportunity for him to tell the world there’s a reason why a team like Manchester United are going to be after me, and he’s come up short, in my opinion,” Yorke said bluntly.
The former United man also pointed toward Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi as an alternative target after the 18-year-old delivered an outstanding World Cup campaign with Morocco.
Arsenal are also linked with Bouaddi, but face fierce competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool, with Lille valuing the prospect at around £84 million.
With Arsenal considered the frontrunners for Guimaraes, the coming weeks are likely to prove decisive in determining whether the Brazilian makes the move to the Emirates Stadium.
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