Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali exits “painful” as Bruno Guimaraes future remains unclear

Eddie Howe has admitted that losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in the current summer transfer window has been “painful and difficult” for Newcastle United, while conceding he does not know whether Bruno Guimaraes will remain at the club.

Arsenal are working on a move to sign Guimaraes as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Newcastle head coach underlined how hard it has been to see key players leave. “We don’t want to lose our best players, that’s obvious,” Howe said. “So the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have been painful and difficult for us. I think it’s been another summer full of challenges, but we’re always trying to do what’s best for the club in the short and long term, and to prepare the team in the best possible way.”

Howe unsure over Guimaraes outcome

Howe confirmed he has held regular conversations with Guimaraes, but stressed that any decision over the Brazilian midfielder’s future lies outside his control.

“I’ve spoken to him, as I always do,” Howe said. “Bruno is a fantastic person, and we had some very, very good conversations before the World Cup, during the tournament and afterwards. What was said between us will remain private, but what I can say is that he’s a brilliant player and a special character.”

The Newcastle manager went on to distance himself from any talks over a potential transfer.

“I don’t know what will happen regarding Bruno’s future,” he added. “That’s a matter for other people, whether it’s those speculating about what might happen to him or those involved in negotiations. Those are discussions I’m not part of.”

Key figure since 2022 arrival

Bruno Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 and is under contract at St James’ Park until the summer of 2028.

The Brazil international has made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals and providing 32 assists.