Newcastle United appear to be preparing for life without captain Bruno Guimaraes, as reports suggest the Brazilian midfielder is drawing nearer to a switch to Arsenal. In response, the Magpies are said to be lining up a replacement in the form of Inter Milan's Croatian international Petar Sucic.
While no formal negotiations between Newcastle and Arsenal have been confirmed, with sources at St James' Park maintaining that the London club has not made an official approach, much of the groundwork appears to be taking place through intermediaries rather than direct club-to-club discussions. Regardless of the exact channels being used, Newcastle's hierarchy are reportedly bracing for the possibility of losing their captain and are taking proactive steps to identify a suitable successor in midfield.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have entered the race for Sucic, joining fellow Premier League side Leeds United in showing concrete interest in the 22-year-old. The report indicates that Newcastle are ready to table an offer in the region of €35 million to €40 million, which translates to roughly £30 million to £34 million.
Inter Milan, however, are said to be firm in their stance that Sucic is not currently for sale. The Serie A giants reportedly view the midfielder as an important long-term asset and would only reconsider their position if a bid meets their valuation of around €45 million, equivalent to approximately £38.4 million. Despite this gap between the two figures, Newcastle are understood to be willing to test Inter's resolve with a formal proposal, even if it falls short of the Italian club's asking price.
Sucic has emerged as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football, and his connection to Arsenal adds an intriguing subplot to Newcastle's interest. The Croatian was on the scoresheet against the Gunners in last season's Champions League campaign, a performance that likely raised his profile among clubs monitoring central midfield options across the continent.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakout period both domestically and internationally. He featured 54 times for Inter across all competitions last season, underlining his growing importance within Cristian Chivu's squad. On the international stage, Sucic also impressed for Croatia, starting three matches at this summer's World Cup, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent capable of performing at the highest level.
For Newcastle, pursuing a player of Sucic's caliber makes strategic sense given the uncertainty surrounding Guimaraes' future. The Brazilian has been a central figure in the club's midfield since arriving on Tyneside, and any departure would leave a significant void to fill. Targeting a young, dynamic operator like Sucic, who already has proven pedigree in a major European league and international experience, suggests Newcastle are keen to maintain competitiveness in midfield regardless of how the Guimaraes situation unfolds.
Whether Newcastle's interest translates into a formal bid remains to be seen, particularly given Inter's insistence that Sucic is not currently available. However, the willingness to explore an offer within the £30-34 million range demonstrates the club's determination to secure a replacement swiftly, especially if Guimaraes' move to Arsenal gains further momentum in the coming weeks.
Based on reporting from standard-football.