Newcastle's sporting director, Ross Wilson, confirmed that the team has no plans to sell the Brazilian captain this summer. However, Guimaraes' desire to leave has forced the "Magpies" to change their approach and accept negotiations with Arsenal.
Previously, Newcastle was not satisfied when Arsenal made the first offer worth 55 million pounds through intermediaries instead of conducting direct negotiations between the two clubs.
In his latest statement to the British media, Wilson admitted that Guimaraes had requested to leave Newcastle.
We don't want to sell Bruno" - Wilson said.
That's not in the plan. He's our captain, he's very important to us and the debate about his transfer fee... that's a world record fee for a midfielder of his age" - Wilson added.
However, Wilson admitted that Guimaraes' desire to leave played an important role in Newcastle's decision.
What we have to consider is that Bruno has respected us very much and expressed his feelings sincerely. He told us that he really wants to leave.
That doesn't mean he can leave, but it plays a role in our thinking when reaching a certain number of players. But saying that's part of our strategy and thinking this summer is useless - in fact it's not.
Wilson emphasized that Newcastle still wants to keep the Brazilian midfielder. In fact, Newcastle has lost quite a few key players and if the midfield loses more players, they will find it difficult to compete in the Premier League next season.
We really want Bruno to be in the squad this summer. But I am sure that there are other clubs that have lost players and it is a pity that they cannot be in their squad.
This is the world we live in, we must adapt, we must react. The departure of an important player is regrettable, but the fact that a truly important player does not want to play here, he has been honest about it, that is the only decision we can make.
