Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has urged Bruno Guimaraes to stay at Newcastle this summer.
The Brazilian international has a release clause worth around £100m in his contract at St James’ Park, though it is only believed to be active until the end of June.
Standard Sport understands both City and the Gunners are interested in the 26-year-old, though it is yet unclear as to whether or not they will activate the clause at huge expense.
Guimaraes is one of the midfielders Arsenal have looked at as they hunt for a new option in the middle of the park this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain have long been linked with bringing the former Lyon star back to French football but are expected to focus their attention on replacing forward Kylian Mbappe, who has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Newcastle are adamant Guimaraes will not be sold for less than his release clause despite some clubs believing a deal can be done for around £80m.
Sagna, who played for both Arsenal and City, believes the Premier League champions are well-stocked in midfield and has warned Guimaraes against the move.
“I don’t think that Manchester City need a player like Bruno; I think City are covered in the middle,” he told CoinPoker.
“I really respect the player – I think he has wonderful ability. He is such an important player for Newcastle, I can’t see how they could justify selling him, especially to another team in the Premier League.
“It’s really important that Newcastle United hold onto their best players if they want to challenge the best team in the Premier League. I think he’s going to be a big part of Newcastle’s project for the next few years and is a player that they should be looking to build around, not sell.
“He can fulfil his ambitions with Newcastle if they continue to strengthen the squad.”
