The agent of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has revealed that both Juventus and Arsenal missed out on signing his client.
The 24-year-old joined the Magpies from French outfit Lyon in the winter window, moving to St James' Park for a fee in the region of £40m.
While both the Gunners and Juve had also expressed their interest in signing Guimaraes, the player's agent, Alexis Malavolta, claims that Newcastle's interest was "serious" and that a move away from Lyon before the 2022 World Cup was a factor in the Brazilian's decision to join the Magpies in January.
"[Guimaraes] has always been very motivated to accept challenges, he never backs down. Bruno is delighted with the choice made, he is happy," Malavolta told Tutto Juve.
"Yes, there was contact with Juventus. I can confirm that. January is a short window to enter into negotiations, we couldn't go too long. We had to wait until the middle of the month to see some concrete movements.
"Newcastle arrived, who got serious. Bruno couldn't wait another six months to decide his future in the World Cup year."
Malavolta added: "In 2020, in the first window following the pandemic, we inquired to see if he could leave. Bruno had just arrived at Lyon, he was already interested in Juve, but the hypothesis of a loan with a redemption option was dismissed.
"[Lyon sporting director] Juninho told me that the president would sell him only after an offer of £59m. That was very difficult during a global crisis."
"Bruno's goal was clear from the start – to help [Newcastle] get out of the relegation zone and take them to the Champions League next season, and, why not, try to win the Premier League. He has already made it clear in his interviews that he went to Newcastle to be a legend like Alan Shearer. He wants to leave his name in the history of the club."
Guimaraes has made 13 Premier League appearances for Newcastle since his debut in early February, and has scored four goals including a strike in the 3-0 win away at Norwich City last weekend.
Oliver Thomas
