Newcastle admit Bruno Guimaraes’ Arsenal transfer was not part of their plan

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson has revealed that the club never intended to sell captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal this summer.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Wilson said Newcastle only reconsidered their position after the Brazil international made it clear he wanted to leave.Arsenal eventually agreed a £75 million fee for Guimaraes following weeks of negotiations.

Newcastle had initially been unhappy with the Gunners’ approach after their opening £55m offer was communicated through intermediaries.

“We didn’t want to sell Bruno,” Wilson said, stressing that his departure was not part of Newcastle’s summer strategy. However, Wilson admitted the midfielder’s desire to leave influenced the club’s decision once Arsenal reached a valuation Newcastle considered acceptable.

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