Bruno Guimaraes continues to impress for Newcastle this season.
On Monday night, Newcastle coasted to victory against a feeble Leicester side. The Magpies were three goals to the good by the half-time whistle, though the outcome appeared settled after just 12 minutes of play courtesy of a Jacob Murphy brace.
It was a historic eighth scoreless home game in a row for Leicester City. For Newcastle, it’s a third straight win in the league that takes them up to 5th in the table with a game in hand.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 3 |  |
31 | 17 | 6 | 8 | 51 | 37 | 14 | 57 |
| 4 |  |
31 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 54 | 37 | 17 | 53 |
| 5 |  |
30 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 52 | 39 | 13 | 53 |
| 6 |  |
31 | 15 | 7 | 9 | 57 | 40 | 17 | 52 |
| 7 |  |
31 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 46 | 46 | 0 | 51 |
Before the game, Sky Sports Monday Night Football guest Craig Bellamy sang the praises of Newcastle skipper, Guimaraes. The midfielder left a lasting impression on the Wales national team boss when Newcastle faced Burnley last season during Bellamy’s spell as assistant manager.
Craig Bellamy lauds Bruno Guimaraes
Bellamy has a lot of admiration for Newcastle’s captain, claiming “he was the best player to come to Turf Moor last year”.
He said, “I just love this kid, honestly. His appetite for the game is quality.”
Guimaraes has 19 goals and 20 assists in 115 Premier League appearances—an impressive return from a deeper midfield role—and has missed just six games through injury since arriving at the club three years ago.
“He takes his responsibilities seriously. He plays for the team.”
Bellamy has high hopes for the Brazilian’s future, and believes he “can go on and win this league”. He did not discount the possibility of doing it with Newcastle, but seemed to suggest a move could be on the horizon.
Manchester City were interested in Guimaraes last summer, as were PSG. This upcoming window should be no different.
Arsenal could steal Guimaraes this summer
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has long been an admirer of Guimaraes, attempting to sign him on multiple occasions during his time with Atletico Madrid. Arsenal were monitoring Guimaraes last season, so rumours of a potential move make sense.
With Jorginho departing at the end of the season and Thomas Partey’s contract also expiring, reinforcements will be needed in the middle of the park.
According to Diario AS, Guimaraes will be at the top of the list of candidates alongside long-standing target Martin Zubimendi. AS report he will be allowed to leave for around £60 million, should Newcastle fail to secure top-flight European football.
As it stands, five Premier League teams should qualify for the Champions League next season, but whether Newcastle can hold on to that spot remains to be seen.
There’s no doubt it would be an amazing signing for Arsenal but their well-documented search for a striker should take precedence this summer. Fellow Newcastle star Alexander Isak has been identified as the main target for the Gunners entering the window.
However, if they can pull it off financially, adding Guimaraes and Zubimendi to the existing midfield would be a daunting prospect for any opposition.
The post ‘Love this kid’: Craig Bellamy lauds ‘quality’ Newcastle star amid rumours of potential £60m Arsenal switch – it’s not Isak appeared first on HITC.
