Arsenal transfer dilemma: Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak eyed amid financial worry

Arsenal’s interest in Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes remains, but the likelihood of a successful transfer is slim. The Gunners are set for a busy summer with decisions to be made on both incoming and outgoing players.

Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, another North East target, are on Arsenal’s radar, but Newcastle are reluctant to sell either player. Isak’s hefty price tag makes his departure unlikely, but there are concerns about Guimaraes.

Until late June, a £100million release clause in the Brazilian international’s contract can be triggered, with the specifics of the clause recently disclosed. Newcastle’s precarious financial fair play situation has been exacerbated by a worst-case scenario unfolding for Eddie Howe’s team this past weekend.

Following Manchester United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, Erik ten Hag’s team have secured a place in next season’s Europa League despite finishing eighth.

Consequently, Chelsea have been relegated to the Europa Conference League, with Newcastle missing out entirely.

The financial implications of this are significant, with less matchday revenue and prize money available. This could force Newcastle to sell one of their star players, with Guimaraes potentially more likely to leave than Isak, reports Football London.

However, it remains unlikely that the former will end up at Emirates Stadium.

“Arsenal have no plans to trigger the (£100m) release clause,” journalist Ben Jacobs revealed recently.

“They will only consider a move if the price drops. Martin Zubimendi remains a more concrete possibility. Guimaraes has given every indication he’s happy at Newcastle, but an exit can’t be discounted due to the clause.”

The Real Sociedad ace is firmly on Arsenal’s radar as a potential summer signing, with a hefty release clause of around €60million (£51m) attached to his name. Yet, despite the Gunners’ interest, they face stiff competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona for the Spanish maestro’s signature.