Newcastle have Guimaraes replacement 'lined up' as decision made on transfer

The Magpies are said to view the 25-year-old Botafogo midfielder as a possible replacement for captain Bruno Guimaraes, should the Brazilian leave St. James' Park for Arsenal this summer

Reports in Brazil claim Danilo has made returning to the Premier League a priority. The midfielder represented Nottingham Forest from 2023 to 2025 before returning to his native country in July of that year, signing for Botafogo for a reported £18.6m.

Injuries hamered Danilo's stint at the City Ground and the report claims the midfielder is keen on a return to England, with Palmeiras and Zenit St. Petersburg also reportedly keen on signing the playmaker.

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Newcastle could be in line for a complete midfield rebuild, with Danilo replacing Guimaraes at St. James' Park, should the 28-year-old leave.

Talks of a fresh Arsenal bid for Guimaraes were dismissed on Saturday night, following on from chatter relating to a £70m price tag being bandied around on July 23, when the BBC made a big claim that a concrete offer was close.

However, Newcastle did not receive a £70m bid, which is why fresh talk of £80m on Saturday evening left the Magpies perplexed.

The Toon have made it clear they don't want to sell the player this summer, though that may come down to Guimaraes and his representatives.

Eddie Howe broke his silence on a possible Guimaraes departure following Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Gateshead in pre-season. The Toon boss said: "I have spoken to him normally as I would do.

"Bruno is a fantastic person and we had some really good conversations before and during the World Cup and after the World Cup.

"What we speak about has to remain private. He is a great player and a great person."

Howe then said: "Look I don't know what is going to happen with Bruno's future, that is for other people to speculate about. But also conversations that I'm not part of."

The Newcastle boss was also asked about similarities between Bruno wanting to leave the club and Alexander Isak's transfer saga last season.

"I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously," Howe said. "I think you've got to look at it in its own right. Bruno is the captain of our football club.

"He's been an unbelievable player and person all through the time that we've worked together. I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone would want him to stay."