Report: Arsenal unlikely to sign Newcastle duo this summer

Arsenal are admirers of Newcastle stars Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, but a St. James' Park raid is unlikely this summer.

Isak and Guimaraes emerged as two leading protagonists during Newcastle's rise under their Saudi ownership, with the Magpies returning to the Champions League last season.

The Gunners were once keen on signing Isak when he was at Real Sociedad, with the Swedish international going on to star on Tyneside following his £63m move in 2022. Isak has scored 35 goals in 67 games for the Magpies, including 21 in the Premier League last term.

Guimaraes, meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the division's standout midfielders having joined from Lyon midway through the 2021/22 campaign. With Arsenal prioritising moves for a striker and a multi-faceted midfielder to complement Declan Rice this summer, many would have the Newcastle tandem high up on their respective positional wish lists.

Alexander Isak & Bruno Guimaraes unlikely to join Arsenal this summer

There was once a belief that Newcastle's financial concerns would force them into selling a couple of their most lucrative assets this summer, namely Isak and Guimaraes. Both would garner monster fees, and Arsenal are unlikely to sanction moves for either player despite their admiration.

football.london reports that Mikel Arteta won't be overseeing any moves similar in magnitude to the deal which brought Declan Rice to north London last summer. Guimaraes has a £100m release clause active until the end of June, while Newcastle could demand a whopping figure for Swedish superstar Isak.

"“Newcastle fans, listen to this; I have no concerns about Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak leaving the club.""

- Journalist Pete Graves

Eddie Howe said in May that his planning for 2024/25 has both Isak and Guimaraes included, and it's very much expected that the pair will remain in the North East. Manchester City could test Newcastle's resolve for Guimaraes, however.

Arsenal have seemingly pivoted to alternative options anyway. RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko has emerged as priority number one up top, while links to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi refuse to go away.

Arteta will once again hope the club can wrap up their business early this summer, but the presence of two major tournaments will make things tricky.

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