Bruno Guimaraes missing Newcastle flight says it all – Opinion

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Bruno Guimaraes missing Newcastle flight says it all – Opinion

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | Last updated Jul 31, 2026 2:30 PM ET

The Toon Army’s miserable week has continued, with reports suggesting that approximately 24 hours after their manager left, their captain won’t be on the plane with Newcastle’s squad heading to Spain on Friday.

Another sign a deal is close?

It’s further evidence that Bruno Guimaraes is very close to becoming a Gunner.

If the Magpies believed they could convince their skipper to stay, surely they would want the dressing room leader travelling with his teammates more than ever, with so many players uncertain about the club’s direction right now?

Yet the midfielder has been spared the awkwardness of sharing a flight with colleagues who will be aware he has zero desire to be on Tyneside anymore.

The official line is that the Brazilian has been on holiday in South America since the World Cup, and it makes more sense to fly directly to La Manga on Sunday rather than travel back to England first.

A convenient solution for everyone?

Yet that’s not the schedule Eddie Howe described earlier this week, and it’s believed these plans changed at the last moment.

The 28-year-old has loved his time in the North East and doesn’t want to damage his relationship with the Geordies. So all parties may have found a creative way to delay his return to pre-season training without the player himself directly refusing to come back to work.

It’s not as though Newcastle benefit from a player training with them this weekend if they already know he won’t be wearing their shirt this season.

Essentially, it gives Arsenal another 48 hours to get this deal over the line so Guimaraes doesn’t need to join what would become a pointless training camp.

Still flying to Spain… but for who?

So Bruno will still be flying out to Spain…

…but it could be to join the champions!

Do you think Bruno Guimaraes missing Newcastle’s flight is another clear indication that a move to Arsenal is close, or is there another explanation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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