Newcastle United have revealed that captain Bruno Guimaraes’ desire for a new challenge was a key factor in the club’s decision to approve his £75 million move to Arsenal.
Sporting director Ross Wilson said the Magpies had not planned to sell the Brazil international during the summer transfer window but were forced to reconsider after the midfielder expressed his wish to leave.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Wilson described the situation as emotional, saying the club had to balance Guimaraes’ wishes with Newcastle’s long-term interests.
“What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, he effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on,” Wilson said.
He stressed that a player’s transfer request does not automatically result in a sale but acknowledged that it becomes an important consideration during negotiations.
“That doesn’t mean he can go, but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number,” he added.
Wilson maintained that selling Guimaraes had never formed part of Newcastle’s transfer strategy.
“There’s no part in saying it 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,” he said.
Chief executive David Hopkinson also admitted that losing one of the club’s most influential players was difficult but said the agreement ultimately benefited all parties.
“You’re dealing with very sophisticated actors on each side. That’s what negotiation looks like,” Hopkinson said.
He noted that the transfer fee reflected Guimaraes’ quality, age and value in the current market.
“It’s a fee that satisfies us. If you want to put a merchandising spin on it, it’s the highest fee for a player in that position at that age, and all those things come into play,” he said.
Hopkinson praised Guimaraes for his contribution during his time at St James’ Park and acknowledged Arsenal’s acquisition of an exceptional player.
“Is it a good deal for Newcastle United? I believe it is, but Arsenal are getting a very special player and person. It’s worked from a financial perspective for both sides,” he added.
Guimaraes reportedly bid farewell to teammates and staff before leaving Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in Spain to complete the transfer.
His departure comes amid a period of significant squad restructuring following the exits of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.
Wilson said Newcastle remain in the market for reinforcements but insisted the club would not rush into signing replacements.
“We don’t want to make any mistakes by jumping to do something that we don’t really want to do to tick a box,” he said.
