Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to comment on reports linking the club with Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Reports have claimed Arsenal agreed a fee of 75 million pounds to sign the Brazil midfielder. Guimaraes has been linked with a move to the Premier League champions in recent weeks.
Arteta was asked about the reports after Arsenal’s 3-1 pre season defeat to Real Betis in Dublin.
“I’m not going to talk about any players who aren’t Arsenal players,” Arteta said.
He also made it clear that Arsenal would only speak when there was something official to announce.
“I can tell you at the moment that something happens and we can announce it. I will give you my straight answer,” he said.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022. The 28 year old scored nine goals and made eight assists in all competitions last season. He recently returned to Newcastle’s training camp after Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had earlier admitted he was concerned about losing the Brazil international.
Despite making fewer signings than Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal are still looking to strengthen the squad before the new season.
“We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we don’t have in the team,” Arteta said.
Arsenal lost 3-1 to Real Betis after first half goals from Rodrigo Riquelme, Nelson Deossa and Pablo Fornals. Piero Hincapie scored Arsenal’s only goal.
The match also brought an injury scare for 19 year old Louie Copley. The young midfielder came on in the second half but lasted only 10 minutes before leaving the field after landing awkwardly.
“It doesn’t look good. So let’s hope that tomorrow the news is better,” Arteta said.
Arsenal will begin the defence of their Premier League title at home against Coventry on August 21.
