Three midfielders Newcastle United can target to replace Arsenal-bound Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United will need to replace their departing captain.
The transfer saga that started following the FIFA World Cup 2026 has finally come to a conclusion, with Arsenal having secured a £75 million deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Although the move is yet to be made official, the Magpies skipper has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with the north London club, with only the medical remaining to complete the blockbuster transfer.
For Newcastle United, it has been a horrible transfer window so far, having lost three of their best players. Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona in a £69.3 million deal, while Tottenham Hotspur signed midfield talisman Sandro Tonali for a club-record fee of up to £100 million.
So far, the Magpies have signed two young midfielders: Monaco’s Aladji Bamba for £30m and Ajax’s Sean Steur for £20m. Ivorian winger Bazoumana Toure arrived from Hoffenheim for £43m. Two goalkeepers were also signed: Reims’ Ewen Jaouen (£18m) and Braga’s Lukas Hornicek (£26m).
However, all of these signings are unproven, young prospects who are yet to walk straight into the starting lineup, let alone replace the on- and off-field influence of the likes of Tonali and Guimaraes. Needless to say, new manager Matthias Jaissle will need to dip into the transfer market to sign at least one midfielder. Let’s look at some options Newcastle can target this summer.
Bruno Guimaraes replacements for Newcastle United
| Sl No. | Player | Club |
| 1 | Victor Froholdt | Porto |
| 2 | Richard Rios | Benfica |
| 3 | Manu Kone | Roma |
Victor Froholdt (Porto)
Danish youngster Victor Froholdt is apparently high on the Magpies’ transfer list, with Portuguese publication O Jogo reporting that Newcastle have contacted the player’s representatives for a possible move.
Despite being just 20 years old, Froholdt enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025/26, winning the Primeira Liga’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards. However, the biggest hurdle to a move is Porto’s asking price of almost £73 million.
Also Read: Three strikers Manchester United can target if Joshua Zirkzee leaves
Richard Rios (Benfica)
Football Insider reported that Newcastle have also contacted Benfica regarding a possible move for Colombian midfielder Richard Rios. The 26-year-old has been with the Eagles for just a year but has been key for the Portuguese side, scoring eight goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
According to reports from Portugal, Newcastle would need to cough up between £26m and £39m to prize Rios away, which would make the Colombian a much more affordable option than Froholdt.
Manu Kone (Roma)
Following an impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with France, Roma midfielder Manu Kone has been strongly linked to several big clubs, including Manchester United. Newcastle have also been linked with the 25-year-old, with a figure of £51m being quoted in media reports.
However, Kone is a defensive midfielder, so would likely be a replacement for Tonali, not so much for Guimaraes. Newcastle will also face significant competition from other Premier League clubs to secure his signature, although he would certainly be a statement signing for the Toon.
Is Bruno Guimaraes leaving Newcastle United?
Yes, Bruno Guimaraes is set to join Arsenal in a £75m deal, having agreed to a five‑year contract. Only his medical remains before the transfer is made official.
Who are Newcastle United targeting as replacements?
Three midfielders have emerged as potential targets: Victor Froholdt, Richard Rios, and Manu Kone.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.