Howe uncertain on Guimaraes future as Arsenal circle; Newcastle held at Gateshead

Newcastle United's pre-season programme began with a 1-1 draw at fifth-tier Gateshead on Saturday, but the post-match focus fell squarely on the future of club captain Bruno Guimaraes. Head coach Eddie Howe, speaking for the first time this summer, admitted he cannot guarantee the Brazilian will remain at St James' Park.

Howe's stance on Guimaraes

Howe revealed he spoke with Guimaraes before, during and after the World Cup, where Brazil exited in the last 16 to Norway. He described those exchanges as "really good conversations" but drew a line at predicting the outcome.

I don't know what's going to happen with Bruno's future. That's for other people to speculate about. They are conversations that I'm not part of.

The 28-year-old was not at the Gateshead International Stadium, having been given extra leave following the World Cup. He is due back at the club on Friday, July 31, and is scheduled to join the squad for a training camp in Spain.

There's nothing to say Bruno won't be back training with us.

The Arsenal connection

Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, have been heavily linked with a move. The BBC reported this week that the London club is preparing a £70 million offer, though Newcastle have no interest in selling and no official bid has yet been lodged. Howe's public comments framed the situation as out of his hands, but he made clear the club's desire to keep a player they value in the "irrational" bracket.

Isak comparison dismissed

Some parallels have been drawn with Alexander Isak's protracted departure to Liverpool a year ago, when the striker refused to train until the transfer went through in early September. Howe declined the comparison.

I don't think it's fair to compare situations and what happened previously. You've got to look at it in its own right.

A summer of departures

Howe described the earlier sales of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona as "painful," but expressed positivity about Newcastle's new trading model. The club, which finished 12th last season, has signed Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen, both of whom made their first appearances in front of fans at Gateshead.

What's next

The opening Premier League fixture is at home to Liverpool on August 23. By then, the Guimaraes question will likely be settled one way or another, with the player's return to training on July 31 marking the next significant milestone.