Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said he could not guarantee captain Bruno Guimaraes would remain at the club amid reported interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, but praised the Brazilian midfielder and said the pair had held positive discussions.
British media reported this week that Arsenal are interested in signing the Brazil international during the current transfer window.
“I’ve had some really good conversations with him before the World Cup, during the World Cup and after the World Cup,” Howe told reporters following Newcastle’s pre-season draw with Gateshead 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.”
Newcastle have already seen winger Anthony Gordon join Barcelona and midfielder Sandro Tonali move to Tottenham Hotspur during the transfer window, and Howe said he hoped Guimaraes would remain at St James’ Park.
“Bruno is the captain of our football club. He’s been an unbelievable player and person throughout the time we have worked together,” Howe said.
“I speak on behalf of everyone at the football club. We absolutely love him and, of course, everyone will want him to stay.”
Newcastle, who finished 12th in the Premier League last season, begin their new campaign at home against Liverpool on Aug. 23.
