Emotional Guimaraes wanted to leave - Newcastle chief Wilson

Newcastle United's sporting director Ross Wilson revealed that the club did not intend to sell Bruno Guimaraes, but their emotional captain had expressed a desire to join Arsenal. The Premier League champions are close to finalising a £75 million deal for the midfielder, after reaching an agreement with Arsenal this week. While Wilson expressed disappointment in Guimaraes' decision, he emphasized that the player did not want to continue playing for the club.

Guimaraes, who is 28, bid a tearful farewell to his teammates and staff during the club's pre-season training camp in Spain. This departure marks the fourth key player to leave Newcastle in under a year, following Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak. The club's chief executive, David Hopkinson, noted that Arsenal had hoped to pay a smaller fee initially, but ultimately, both sides settled on a figure that satisfied Newcastle.

Wilson stated that the deal is a good one for the club, as Arsenal is acquiring a valuable player and fellow, but confirmed that Newcastle plans to sign a more experienced midfielder before the window closes on September 1.