Eddie Howe uncertain on Bruno Guimaraes future as Arsenal prepare £70m bid

Image caption: Bruno Guimaraes became Eddie Howe's third signing at Newcastle United in 2022

By Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter at Gateshead International Stadium

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe says he has had positive discussions with Bruno Guimaraes but is unable to offer any guarantees on his captain's future.

BBC Sport reported this week that Arsenal are set to make a £70m offer for the Brazil midfielder, but Newcastle do not want to lose their talisman.

"I've had some really good conversations with him before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup," Howe said after Newcastle's 1-1 draw against Gateshead in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

"What we speak about has to remain private, but he's just a great player, a great person.

"I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to speculate about. They are conversations that I'm not part of."

Guimaraes has been on holiday with his family following Brazil's last-16 exit from the World Cup at the hands of Norway this month. He is due to return to Newcastle on Friday and fly out with the squad for a pre-season training camp in Spain.

Comparisons have been made with Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak last summer — the striker ultimately pushed to leave Newcastle — but Howe said there is "nothing to say Bruno won't be back training with us".

"You've got to look at it in its own right," he said.

"Bruno is the captain of our football club. He's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time we have worked together.

"I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay."

Steur Catches the Eye as Midfield Rebuilt

Newcastle's midfield has been weakened by the departure of Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham this month in a deal worth up to £100m.

Young midfielders Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba have since arrived from Ajax and Monaco respectively. Although Saturday's game came too soon for Bamba, whose move was announced on Friday, Steur played 90 minutes.

"He played really well today," Howe said. "He can be really pleased with his performance and first showing in Newcastle colours."

It is rare for an academy graduate to leave Ajax at 18, and for a fee worth up to £23m. However, Newcastle have to take calculated risks before potential signings like Steur potentially explode in value and are out of reach.

Dutchman Steur clearly has promise. Willem Weijs, who managed Steur at Jong Ajax — the club's reserve side — has described him as "one of the highest-rated" players in their academy.

There were glimpses of Steur's technical ability, composure and vision against National League side Gateshead. But he will need time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

"He's outstanding in his first touches and creating options when playing a possession game," Weijs said.

"He's good at scanning; really comfortable on the ball; really good in tight spaces.

"He's a typical Dutch-type midfield player, but he should focus on his points to develop as well, which is for sure the defensive part.

"He should compete better in the duels, spending much more time in the gym. I know he's working on that, but he can improve and he has to improve."

Newcastle have shifted strategy this summer, targeting players aged 20 and under and based on the continent. Steur, Bamba and fellow newcomers Ewen Jaouen and Bazoumana Toure will need patience.