Bruno Guimaraes forced Arsenal transfer after Newcastle director confirms emotional exit plea

Newcastle United have confirmed Bruno Guimaraes' £75 million move to Arsenal only became possible after the club captain made an emotional request to leave St James' Park.

The Brazil international is closing in on a switch to the Emirates after Arsenal reached an agreement with Newcastle, despite the Magpies having no intention of selling one of their most influential players this summer. However, the midfielder's desire to move on ultimately forced the club to reconsider its position.

Sporting director Ross Wilson admitted Newcastle's summer plans never included selling their captain, but the club had to weigh up Guimaraes' wishes once he made his feelings clear.

"What we had to weigh up was, very respectfully from Bruno with his behaviour towards us, very emotionally as well, he effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on," Wilson told BBC Sport.

"That doesn't mean he can go, but it certainly plays a part in what our thinking is when we hit a certain range of number. There's no part in saying it was part of our strategy and was in our thinking this summer – it wasn't. But we have got to be flexible and react to things that happen."

Guimaraes is understood to have said an emotional farewell to team-mates and staff during Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Spain before negotiations with Arsenal accelerated.

Chief executive David Hopkinson also confirmed Arsenal's initial offers fell below Newcastle's valuation before a deal worth £75 million was eventually agreed.

"You're dealing with very sophisticated actors on each side. That's what negotiation looks like. It's a fee that satisfies us.

"Is it a good deal for Newcastle United? I believe it is, but Arsenal are getting a very special player and person. It's worked from a financial perspective for both sides."

The midfielder becomes the latest major departure from Tyneside after Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak all left the club within the past year, marking another significant rebuild for Eddie Howe's squad.

With four of Newcastle's five summer arrivals aged 20 or younger, replacing Guimaraes' experience has now become a priority before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Arsenal are expected to complete the remaining formalities of Guimaraes' transfer before integrating the Brazilian into Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of the new Premier League season. Newcastle, meanwhile, are expected to accelerate their search for an experienced midfielder as they look to reinvest part of the transfer fee before the 1 September deadline.