Arsenal's pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has been dealt a significant blow following the shock resignation of manager Eddie Howe, with the outgoing boss's final comments on the midfielder suggesting a transfer is far from certain.

Howe's parting words on Guimaraes

Speaking after Newcastle's 4-1 preseason friendly defeat to Championship club Bristol City at Ashton Gate, Howe was asked whether he had received assurances that Guimaraes would remain at St. James' Park.

"We've spoken numerous times," Howe said. "Assurances? I don't think you can push too hard for those. I've said many times we want players who are committed, and Bruno has always been committed. His training performances and his game performances have been outstanding, every time he's worn the shirt, he's played with the fans by his side. I'd love to see that continue."

Howe has since left the club, with German coach Matthias Jaissle set to take over after five years under the 48-year-old's stewardship.

Talks progressing slowly

According to FourFourTwo, negotiations between Arsenal and Newcastle — conducted through intermediary Kia Joorabchian — have been moving at a slow pace. Crucially, Guimaraes is not understood to be agitating for a move in the manner that Alexander Isak did last season amid Liverpool's reported interest.

Howe's departure, combined with the exits of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, may push Newcastle to hold firm on Guimaraes in order to prevent a full-scale squad exodus. The Brazilian's professed commitment to the club lends weight to that possibility.

Arsenal's summer business so far

Arsenal have had a quiet window by comparison, with Christos Tzolis the only outfield signing to date. Should a deal for Guimaraes collapse entirely, potential alternatives — including his international team-mate Vinicius Jr — would represent a considerable drop in quality, according to the report.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are navigating another difficult summer. The club missed out on several targets in this and previous windows — among them Johan Mazambi, Victor Munoz, Marc Guehi, Joao Pedro, James Trafford, and Hugo Ekitike. Howe departs with a 48.5 percent win rate across 231 matches, and leaves behind the legacy of guiding Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in 2025 — their first piece of silverware this century.