Eddie Howe responds to Bruno Guimarães Arsenal transfer speculation

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged uncertainty surrounding Bruno Guimarães' future, refusing to guarantee the club captain will remain at St James' Park amid growing reports linking the midfielder with a move to Arsenal.

The Brazil international has been heavily linked with the Premier League champions in recent days, with reports suggesting he has agreed personal terms with Mikel Arteta's side. Newcastle, however, continue to insist Guimarães is not for sale and maintain they have not received a fresh approach from Arsenal.

Speaking after Newcastle's 1-1 pre-season draw against Gateshead, Howe admitted another summer of speculation involving key players has been difficult to navigate.

"We don't want to lose our best players," Howe said.

"That's an obvious statement to make. Losing those big two is painful for us and difficult. For me, it's been another challenging summer so far.

"We're always trying to do our best for the football club, short and long term, and try and get the squad in its best shape."

His comments follow Newcastle's departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, while Alexander Isak also left the club during the previous transfer window.

Asked directly about Guimarães' future, Howe confirmed he has spoken with the midfielder on several occasions but declined to reveal the content of those conversations.

"Yes, I've spoken to him as I would do," he said.

"Bruno, normally, is just a fantastic person. We've had some really good conversations, both before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup. What we speak about obviously has to remain private."

The Newcastle manager also praised the midfielder's character before admitting he cannot predict how the situation will develop.

"He's just a great player and a great person.

"Look, I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to, one, speculate about, but also conversations that I'm not part of."

Arsenal remain in the market for midfield reinforcements and Guimarães is understood to be among the club's leading targets.

Despite claims of an agreement with the player, Newcastle have consistently maintained that the Brazilian is not available for transfer.

Howe's latest comments stop short of ruling out a departure but reinforce that any decision is likely to be made above the manager's level.

Guimarães is currently enjoying an extended summer break after helping Brazil at the World Cup.

Howe expects the midfielder to return to Newcastle before the end of July.

"I think the plan off the top of my head, I think it's the 31st," he said.

"He gets an extended break because he went further in the competition and he's enjoying a holiday at the moment with his family.

"There's nothing to say that Bruno won't be back training with us."

Those remarks suggest Newcastle continue to prepare for the new season with the expectation that their captain will report back for pre-season unless developments occur before then.

Bruno Guimarães is expected to return to Newcastle's training base on 31 July following his extended World Cup break. Arsenal are likely to continue monitoring the situation, but Newcastle remain adamant that their captain is not for sale despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future.