Newcastle United are preparing a big-money contract offer to Bruno Guimaraes in order to stave off interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Guimaraes arrived at St. James’ Park last January, as one of the first big signings under the new ownership. He cost the club a fee of around €40 million, joining from Lyon on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Since then, the Brazil international has been a standout in the Magpies’ side. In 26 league appearances, he has scored seven goals and registered a further three assists, while also drawing plenty of praise for his performances. As a result, this has attracted the attention of Europe’s top sides.
Nonetheless, Newcastle are determined to keep their star man. According to Goal, the north-east club are willing to offer him a new contract worth £200,000-a-week. This would make him the highest paid player in their history.
The source names Chelsea as one of the potential suitors for Guimaraes. The Blues are level on points with Newcastle having played one game fewer, and remain unbeaten since the appointment of Graham Potter in September.
Despite this, they could be in need of a new central midfielder in the near future. N’Golo Kante’s contract is up at the end of the season, while Jorginho may also be a free agent next summer.
However, they may need to act quickly if they wish to bring Guimaraes to Stamford Bridge. Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb claims that Juventus are also eyeing up a move for the Brazilian.
The Bianconeri have been well below their usual standards in recent years. They currently sit in eighth place, and failed to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2013.
And the situation could be about to get worse for the Italian giants. Central midfielder Adrien Rabiot has less than a year remaining on his current deal, and is reportedly likely to leave in the summer.
Guimaraes previously revealed that he held talks with Real Madrid over a move last summer. He was apparently not interested in a transfer away from Newcastle, preferring to be part of their project.
