Newcastle are considering a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, which could serve as a transfer boost for Arsenal.
Standard Sport understands that Arsenal have held initial talks with Bruno Guimaraes’ representatives to understand his situation at St James’ Park after Newcastle missed out on European qualification.
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The Gunners have registered their interest in signing the 28-year-old this summer and are believed to have made an informal proposal of around £55million.
However, it is understood there has been no direct contact with Newcastle and an official offer has not been submitted as it stands.
Through Guimaraes’ team Newcastle have made it clear that the Brazilian is not for sale this summer, but it would appear they are bracing themselves for a potential exit by lining up a replacement.
Sky Sports have reported that the Magpies are interested in Nmecha, who has started all three games for Germany at the World Cup, scoring against Curacao before claiming an assist in the last-gasp win over Ivory Coast.
As a central midfielder, and with Guimaraes as well as Sandro Tonali being linked with moves away, naturally interest in Nmecha will be seen as Newcastle making plans just in case one of their key players do end up leaving.
The report adds the one sticking point for a transfer is the fee. Nmecha is said to have an €85m (£73.5m) release clause in his Dortmund contract, that runs until 2030 after signing an extension in March.
Newcastle are said to be keen on paying less than that given their business model, but appreciate it would be a difficult deal to do unless Dortmund are prepared to negotiate.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal are given encouragement by Newcastle’s interest in Mmecha and try and test their not for sale stance by intensifying their interest and making an official bid.
Guimaraes, himself, has so far not made any move towards trying to secure a transfer, with his focus on Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
