Bruno Guimaraes is a fine midfielder technically, exceptional in possession under pressure, but he’s so much more, he’s an energiser, a leader, a warrior, a chaser of lost balls and lost causes. The charismatic Brazilian will be a huge loss to Newcastle United tactically, technically and also emotionally. His departure will hurt more than Sandro Tonali’s or Anthony Gordon’s. Guimaraes “got” Newcastle, understood the fans, loved their passion, and enjoyed a special city. But from the moment he reflected on his ambitions at 28, how they could best be met, and signalled his desire to move on respectfully, the die was cast, it was all about the size and timing of the deal. Newcastle are absolutely right to hold out for an acceptable bid from Arsenal that reflects Guimaraes’ importance to them on and off the field. And that, in modern transfer parlance, begins with an 8 not a 7. In the current frenzied market, with two years left on a contract, and Tonali trading for £92m (albeit two years younger), Guimaraes is an £80m player (75+5). He strengthens Arsenal further. As they face a long campaign on two fronts, Premier League and Champions League, plus the two cups, Arsenal need the dynamism of Guimaraes. He can play 6 or 8 (prefers 8). Arsenal defenders will appreciate his tenacious work in front of them. Their attackers will feed off his line-breaking passes. Their fans will love his commitment and technical quality. He’ll dovetail well with Declan Rice, bringing even more power to the champions’ engine room. What it means to Martin Zubimendi, the versatile Mikel Merino and also to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s development is a debate, of course. His arrival would allow Mikel Arteta to ease Rice’s huge workload. If the deal does go through, Guimaraes is a signing that strengthens the belief that Arsenal will retain the title. #AFC #NUFC