Newcastle are targeting Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha after agreeing a £75 million deal to sell captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.
Newcastle United are already planning for life after Bruno Guimaraes, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha emerging as the club’s preferred replacement following the Brazilian’s imminent move to Arsenal.
The Magpies have agreed a £75 million deal with the Premier League champions for their captain, who has also been granted permission to travel for his medical. Guimaraes informed Newcastle earlier this summer that he wanted to join Arsenal if the right offer arrived, and after an opening bid was rejected, the two clubs have now reached an agreement.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal, HERE WE GO! 🇧🇷
Agreement in place with Newcastle after long talks and personal terms in place with Bruno since July. Fee worth £75m.
New midfielder for Mikel Arteta. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/bC8q2Wv8S6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2026
Newcastle had done everything possible to convince the 28-year-old to remain at St James’ Park, holding several positive discussions in an attempt to change his mind. However, Guimaraes made it clear he believed this represented his best opportunity to compete for major trophies during the peak years of his career.
The club were only willing to sanction the transfer on their own terms. Newcastle insisted they would only sell if Guimaraes requested the move and Arsenal met their valuation, ensuring the Brazilian became one of the most expensive players aged 28 or over.
Since arriving from Lyon for £40 million in 2022, Guimaraes has made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
His departure continues a remarkable summer of player sales for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona in a £69.3 million move, while Sandro Tonali completed a £100 million switch to Tottenham. If Guimaraes’ transfer is finalised, Newcastle will have generated more than £240 million through outgoing transfers this summer.
According to French media reports, Newcastle have identified Felix Nmecha as the ideal player to fill the void left by Guimaraes. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has impressed with his athleticism, technical ability and versatility, qualities that make him an attractive option as the club prepares for a new era under expected incoming manager Matthias Jaissle.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: Newcastle United have identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as their prime target to step in as the long-term successor to Bruno Guimarães.
Discussions have been accelerated by the progress of the Guimarães transfer, reported to be around €90… pic.twitter.com/IbOJJTG9F4
— Goals Side (@goalsside) August 4, 2026
Signing the Germany international, however, will not be straightforward. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers below €120 million, and Newcastle are understood to be fully aware of the Bundesliga club’s valuation before deciding whether to formalise their interest.
Nmecha also heads into the new season with growing confidence after an encouraging World Cup campaign with Germany, despite their elimination in the first knockout round. He has already featured during Dortmund’s pre-season preparations in Japan, but Newcastle’s interest suggests he could become one of the next major names involved in this summer’s transfer window as the Magpies look to rebuild following Guimaraes’ departure.
