Arabic version: هاو لا يستطيع ضمان مستقبل غيمارايش مع نيوكاسل

According to BBC News, Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe cannot offer guarantees over captain Bruno Guimaraes’ future, despite saying he has held positive discussions with the Brazil midfielder. BBC Sport reported that Arsenal are set to make a £70m offer, while Newcastle do not want to lose the player.

Howe spoke after Newcastle’s 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Gateshead. He said he had had “really good conversations” with Guimaraes before, during and after the World Cup, but said their discussions must remain private. Guimaraes has been on holiday with his family following Brazil’s last-16 World Cup exit to Norway and is due back at Newcastle on Friday before travelling with the squad to a training camp in Spain.

Comparisons have been drawn with Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak last summer, when the striker ultimately pushed to leave Newcastle. Howe said there was “nothing to say Bruno won’t be back training with us”, adding that Guimaraes is the club captain and that everyone at Newcastle wants him to stay.

Newcastle’s midfield has been weakened by Sandro Tonali’s move to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100m. The club have since brought in young midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco. Steur played 90 minutes against Gateshead, with Howe saying the 18-year-old could be pleased with his first appearance in Newcastle colours. Bamba’s move was announced on Friday and came too late for him to feature.

Howe said Newcastle must support their new arrivals and avoid putting too much pressure on them. The club have shifted their summer strategy towards players aged 20 and under based in Europe, with Steur, Bamba, Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure among the newcomers. Howe’s desire to retain Guimaraes follows the departures of Isak, Tonali and Anthony Gordon over the past year.