"I don't get Arsenal" - Bruno Guimaraes saga leaves Chris Waddle confused

Bruno Guimarães is still being strongly linked with a Newcastle United exit, with Arsenal reportedly ready to take the Brazilian this summer.

While the rumours remain, the narrative is shifting slightly as there are claims that Arsenal were told they'd be able to get a deal done for around £50 million and since finding out that's not the case, their interest is fading.

It seems like they had been told, by people working on Bruno's behalf, that there was an agreement that he could leave for that price if Newcastle failed to qualify for the Champions League, but no such agreement exists.

That means Newcastle still hold all the power in negotiations as Bruno has no release clauses and they have a contract for another two years with an option of a third. Only Bruno demanding a move could really shake those foundations, as Newcastle have made it clear that Bruno is not for sale unless there's an offer made that they can't refuse.

Chris Waddle doesn't see Bruno going to Arsenal

Former Newcastle and England midfielder Chris Waddle has told 10bet (via The Chronicle) that he doesn't see why Arsenal even need the 28-year-old.

"Unless Newcastle upgrade his contract, you could see him leaving. I'm sure clubs are interested, but because he has two years left, Newcastle can demand a hefty price. That might stop a lot of clubs because they'll question if he's worth that much money. 

"If Newcastle are looking for £50m or £60m, there are not going to be many clubs that will pay that for a player his age.

"I don't get Arsenal. They've got a big squad as it is, and I just don't understand why they keep getting linked with these players. Mind you, it could just be his agent pushing stories. I'm surprised Arsenal are linked with him.

"He's nearly 30 and he's going to want at least a four-year contract, so I don't see where that story has come from. There will be clubs interested if the price is right, but because he'll want a long contract, not many clubs will do that without getting any financial return on the investment down the line.

"You don't want to pay £50m, £60m, or £70m for someone you're not going to get anything back on. It will be interesting to see what happens."

Hopefully, Arsenal feel the same as Chris Waddle

Let's hope that Arsenal feels the same way Waddle does when Newcastle demand £80 million plus for Bruno's services.

As we've said plenty of times. There's a price that Bruno is worth on the market, but then there's what he's worth to Newcastle United, and those numbers are very different. Bruno is the captain; he's an integral part of the team. He's not irreplaceable, but he's about as close as you can get.

Nobody is bigger than the club, however, and by that logic, everyone has a price, so if Arsenal are ready to pay what WE think he's worth, then there's a deal to be done there.

We just really hope that Arsenal aren't willing to pay because we'd much rather he stayed. Or if he has to go, at least sell him to Spain.