Manchester City and Arsenal reportedly make their moves to sign a Newcastle star

Manchester City and Arsenal have reportedly made their moves to sign Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes. The two clubs are currently battling it out for this season’s Premier League title. Now, it appears that their rivalry will extend to the summer transfer window as they both hold interest in signing Newcastle’s Brazilian midfielder.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has reported for caughtoffside.com that both Manchester City and Arsenal have been in contact with the camp of Bruno Guimaraes. Furthermore, Jacobs reports that the world champions are more active than Arsenal in their pursuit of the Brazilian international. Jacobs also reports that Newcastle do not want to lose their star midfielder this summer. Ben Jacobs adds that the decision may be taken out of Newcastle’s hands if either Manchester City or Arsenal triggers the £100 million release clause in the Brazilians contract.

Would Manchester City pay £100 million for Bruno Guimaraes, and does it represent a fair price?

The report from Jacobs does give the impression that Manchester City is seriously considering a move for Bruno Guimaraes. City are desperate for quality support for Rodri in the heart of their midfield. City’s midfield general is the world champions’ most important player. In recent weeks, Rodri has been paired with Mateo Kovacic in the centre of City’s midfield. It is no coincidence that the champions have looked at their best with support in midfield for Rodri. It stands to reason that City will seek reliable support for their midfield general. He can not continue to be played in every game, especially as the fixture list grows each season. Bruno Guimaraes looks to be a player who could step in right away and support Rodri.

But the asking price for Bruno Guimaraes is high. £100 million is a sizable investment for any player. Though it does appear especially high for a player who wouldn’t immediately come in and start for Manchester City. There is always the possibility that if City do sign Guimaraes that Pep Guardiola could pair the Brazilian with Rodri to form a strong duo in the heart of City’s midfield. If that was to be the case, the £100 million fee could represent good value.

But if the champions were only seeking a player to be a backup for Rodri, would they look for a cheaper alternative? Whether or not a cheaper alternative to Bruno Guimaraes is out there is another question entirely. Bruno Guimaraes is Premier League proven, and his quality is evident. If a cheaper alternative exists in the market, the champions may look at that option rather than spend £100 million on Bruno Guimaraes.

Manchester City may just have to pay up to secure quality support for Rodri.

Given the importance of Rodri’s role and the obvious need for a quality player to support City’s most important player, it may force the champions to spend £100 million on Bruno Guimaraes. They can not afford to take a chance and have another Kalvin Phillips type scenario arise. It is a position of great importance in the world champions squad.

The last two seasons have seen Rodri carry a heavy workload. It can not continue to be the case going forward. Manchester City’s hand may be forced this summer as they seek qualityand reliable suport for their midfieldgeneral. The fee reported for Bruno Guimaraes looms as something City may just have to pay to fill an obvious need in their squad.