Carragher Questions Authenticity of Arsenal's Guimaraes Bid as Newcastle Star Eyes Exit

Jamie Carragher has raised eyebrows over Friday's reports of an Arsenal approach for Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, hinting that the midfielder himself – or those in his camp – may have planted the story to engineer an escape from Tyneside.

The alleged bid, valued around £55m, comes at a turbulent time for Eddie Howe's side. Anthony Gordon has already completed his switch to Barcelona, whilst Sandro Tonali appears destined for Tottenham after the North London club agreed terms with the Italian midfielder.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Carragher acknowledged Guimaraes' quality and ambition whilst speculating on the origins of the Arsenal link. "Guimaraes is a wonderful player and he's loved up there," the Liverpool legend said. "But maybe he's getting a little bit frustrated at seeing all his mates getting linked with moves or looking like they're going, and perhaps he's put a story out – or he and his people have, I don't know – or maybe it is a genuine bid from Arsenal."

Carragher suggested such frustration would be understandable, pointing to Guimaraes' starring role for Brazil in World Cup football as evidence of his calibre. However, he warned that Newcastle's summer exodus could spiral beyond recovery. "I think if Anthony Gordon goes and Tonali, if you lose any more, it's probably too much then, really," he said. "Both Guimaraes and Tonali would leave huge holes to fill."

The pundit noted that losing either midfielder would represent a significant blow, with the outcome likely hinging on financial offers rather than preference.

De Zerbi's Ambitious Spurs Overhaul

Tottenham, meanwhile, are making their intentions crystal clear under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. The club has already secured Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka, whilst moving to pip Manchester United to West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and pursuing Tonali's signature.

Carragher praised De Zerbi's efficiency in the transfer market. "You can see straight away with Roberto De Zerbi, he wants to get things done quickly, bring his own players there as soon as possible, before pre-season starts," he explained. "He's not messing about."

Whilst De Zerbi's appointment proved successful in keeping Spurs up last season, Carragher believes his remit extends far beyond mere survival. "He's not at Tottenham to be in the middle of the table. He wants to be getting Tottenham back challenging for those Champions League positions," Carragher added. "He's a top coach and it looks like he's attracting some top players – and Tonali is exactly that."