Santos is a talented midfielder, but he sits behind Brazil’s top central options and did not make Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad this summer. At the moment, he trails Bruno Guimarães in the pecking order, who was a bright spot in Brazil’s otherwise disappointing tournament. There is a notable gap in quality between the two players.
The fee United are paying for Santos raises questions for the Premier League champions.
Why Manchester United’s Andrey Santos deal could influence Bruno Guimarães’ price
Until now, Arsenal have believed £65 million would be enough to sign Guimarães. That figure already looked optimistic given Newcastle United’s public stance that he is not for sale. Now, with United paying £50 million for Santos, Newcastle has a stronger position to demand a higher fee for their captain and standout player.
The transfer market has seen large sums this summer, with Tonali at around £100 million and Elliott Anderson at about £116 million. Arsenal walked away from the Tonali deal due to cost and are pursuing Guimarães as a smarter alternative.
Newcastle is unlikely to part with both of their best midfielders in one window, but the Santos fee provides a reference point for a higher valuation—potentially closer to £100 million for a player who is, on paper, superior.
There is a six-year age gap between Santos and Guimarães, and Arsenal may be hesitant to pay significantly more for a 28-year-old. Yet the current gap in quality between the two is substantial, perhaps as much as the difference in age.
Guimarães would clearly elevate Arsenal’s midfield immediately and strengthen the starting XI. The question remains whether the same can be said of Santos.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Guimarães remains a priority
Newcastle will not want to lose Guimarães after selling Tonali to another club, but if Guimarães pushes for a move, their hand could be forced. Transfers between the two clubs may need to land somewhere between £65 million and £100 million, potentially dragging on through the transfer window.
Andrea Berta needs to secure the deal for Guimarães. Pairing Guimarães with Declan Rice would give Arsenal arguably the strongest midfield partnership in the Premier League and would ease the workload on Rice, who has carried a heavy burden during demanding spells in competition.
The Santos deal complicates the picture, but it remains achievable. Arsenal must be prepared to meet the price if they want to land Guimarães and strengthen the midfield core.
