Bruno Guimaraes confirms talks with Arsenal before Newcastle transfer

Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has confirmed that he held talks with Arsenal prior to eventually completing a January switch to St James’ Park instead.

Guimaraes could end up being Newcastle’s record signing at £43m if all add-ons from the deal with Lyon are triggered, with the Brazilian already a fan favourite in the north east.

But the Magpies weren’t the only club interested in signing in the last few months. Arsenal’s interest was widely reported, dating back to last summer, and the player has revealed that early talks with the club did indeed take place before Newcastle made the only ‘concrete’ offer.

“I did speak to some other clubs," he told Sky Sports when quizzed about the Gunners.

“But the only concrete offer came in from Newcastle and I really wanted to come here. I've always wanted to play in the Premier League and on top of that it was the start of a new sporting project for the club,” the 24-year-old added.

“If a club has a project and wants to aspire to the maximum, then it's going to involve winning the Champions League. It's the biggest club competition in the world and obviously we're keen on winning the Premier League as well.”

Guimaraes has previously suggested that an ambitious Newcastle have the potential to become a bigger club than Arsenal in the long run if they achieve their targets.

“It’s already a club with a great tradition, a big history. I have no doubts about my decision to come here. I believe in everything the owners told me about their project,” he said last month.

“We’re going to be a big power in world football. The owners were very up front that, this season, the idea is to stay in the Premier League but the main objective in the years to come is to be in the Champions League and, eventually, to win the Champions League.”

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