Matthias Jaissle breaks silence on Bruno Guimaraes after £75m Arsenal deal

We're in the final days and hours of Bruno Guimaraes' four-and-a-half-year stint at Newcastle United.

After Arsenal struck a £75m deal earlier this week, the Brazilian is on the brink of being unveiled in North London.

He said his goodbyes to the Newcastle squad in La Manga and, according to reports this morning, has already completed his medical with the Gunners. 

But what did new boss Matthias Jaissle have to say about the 28-year-old when speaking to the North East press pack yesterday? 

Bruno decision already made - Jaissle

Matthias Jaissle has admitted that he was powerless to stopping Bruno Guimaraes' move to Arsenal, insisting a decision was already made prior to his appointment.

He's hailed Bruno's character and quality, revealing that the pair had a “nice conversation”, but looks ahead to the next challenge of building without our Brazilian. 

“I met him quickly but the decision was already made [for him to go to Arsenal], it was a nice conversation. 

"He is a fantastic player and a great human being. It is tough but for him now it’s the next challenge and we need to deal with it at a later stage. 

"We trust the players who are here already but we will also see some changes.”

Who replaces Bruno is anyone’s guess, with a host of names and different profiles already linked, whether that be Felix Nmecha, Victor Froholdt, Man Kone, Angelo Stiller or Ruben Neves.

One thing that is clear, however, is Bruno’s gone. His move to Arsenal will be announced in the next 24-48 hours, bringing to an end a brilliant era on Tyneside.