Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declined to confirm that Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is on the verge of joining the London club, despite an agreement reportedly having been reached between the two clubs and the player.
Guimaraes underwent a medical on Wednesday and an official announcement of the transfer is expected shortly. Arsenal have agreed terms with Newcastle United and the Brazil international, according to reports surrounding the deal.
Asked directly whether he could confirm Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal, Arteta refused to discuss the situation.
“I can’t discuss any news. Guys, sometimes you know everything before I do. I don’t know what’s going on!” he said.
When it was suggested that the 28-year-old would represent a strong addition to Arsenal’s squad, Arteta again chose not to comment.
“I can’t talk about players who do not belong to Arsenal,” the manager said, according to comments reported by afcstuff.
The transfer is expected to cost Arsenal more than 87m euros, based on available reports. Guimaraes is understood to be approaching the final stages of a move which would take him from Newcastle United to the Premier League club.
Arteta’s comments came as speculation intensified around the midfielder’s future. Although he did not provide confirmation, the completion of a medical is another indication that the transfer is close to being formally announced.
The Arsenal manager’s response also reflected the club’s usual position before a deal has been officially completed. Rather than addressing the player’s reported arrival, Arteta stressed that he could not discuss footballers who were not yet Arsenal players.
Guimaraes has been identified in the reports as the subject of the proposed move, with the agreement involving Arsenal, Newcastle United and the player himself. The fee, said to be above 87m euros, would make the deal a significant investment by the London club.
For now, the transfer remains officially unconfirmed by Arsenal, while the next step is expected to be an announcement of the agreement. Arteta offered no further detail when asked about the Brazilian, maintaining that he was unable to discuss the situation until Guimaraes formally became an Arsenal player.
