Bruno Guimarães absent from Newcastle flight as Arsenal links grow

Bruno Guimarães was not on Newcastle United’s flight to Murcia on Friday lunchtime, according to The Guardian, as speculation over a move to Arsenal continues to build.

The midfielder is believed to be in Brazil and was absent as Eddie Howe’s former players prepared to meet their new head coach in southern Spain. However, the report suggests Guimarães could still fly to La Manga on Sunday.

Newcastle’s new manager Matthias Jaissle is completing his move from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli and is expected to arrive at the club’s pre-season training camp at some point this weekend. Howe, meanwhile, says he stood down “to recharge and take a break”.

The situation around Guimarães remains fluid, with Arsenal reported to be interested in the Brazil international. For now, Newcastle fans will be watching to see whether the midfielder boards a later flight to join his teammates in Spain.