Fans on social media would be ‘surprised’ if Newcastle beat Arsenal to Guimaraes

Newcastle United aren’t short of midfielders with Isaac Hayden, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Jeff Hendrick, but Hayden is sidelined with injury while Hendrick is surplus to requirements, so Eddie Howe might need new addition to the engine room.

The Magpies are 20th in the Premier League for possession (37.8% per game on average) and 16th in the Premier League for pass completion (74.4%), so a midfielder who’s composed and can turn over the ball would be useful.

L’Équipe and RMC Sport (h/t Get Football News France) say Newcastle have made an offer for Bruno Guimarães, but Arsenal could throw a spanner in the works. The 24-year-old is expected to make a decision on which club to join, but fans on social media don’t believe he’ll make the switch to St James’ Park.

Guimarães joined Olympique Lyonnais on a four-year deal from Club Athletico Paranaense in 2020 and has gone on to make 71 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals with eight assists. Football Insider say Newcastle have won the race to sign the Brazilian, but it remains to be seen he would explicitly choose Newcastle over Arsenal.

Supporters aren’t unconvinced just yet either.

In other news, fans on social media say it’s ‘hardly a surprise’ as Newcastle suffer Robin Gosens setback