Bruno Guimarães exit could send Newcastle straight to another Brazilian midfielder

Newcastle United’s interest in Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos now has a clear trigger. And that is Bruno Guimarães.

The Magpies were already studying the Botafogo midfielder. However, the latest claims from Brazil suggest that situation could move if Bruno Guimarães leaves for Arsenal.

According to BandSports, Danilo is now seen as the favourite to replace his compatriot at Newcastle if that transfer happens.

Newcastle succession plan

Until now, Newcastle’s stance around Danilo had sounded cautious. Eddie Howe likes the player, but any move was expected to depend on the club’s internal midfield assessment and potential exits. Bruno Guimarães’ future now gives that interest a more obvious direction.

If Arsenal advance for Bruno, Newcastle would need a midfielder capable of carrying similar responsibility. Danilo Santos is not an identical player, but there is some logic to it.

He is Brazilian, already knows the Premier League from his Nottingham Forest spell, and offers a dynamic box-to-box profile.

Danilo makes sense – with caveats

Danilo’s strongest appeal is his energy. He presses, covers ground, attacks the box and has become far more productive in Brazil. That makes him a natural candidate for a Newcastle side that rely heavily on intensity in midfield.

There are still issues though. No values have been revealed in this latest report, but Botafogo have been pushing for a major sale after the World Cup. However, as we covered this week, his absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s plans during the tournament could be a blow for the Brazilian club’s valuation.

Newcastle also need to decide whether Danilo Santos is the right use of significant funds of course. But compared to previous reports, this now feels like a possible replacement plan.

The midfielder has long wanted a return to England, and Newcastle have been repeatedly named as one of the Premier League clubs watching him. But in the end, it is Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães that may end up forcing the Magpies to move in another Brazilian direction.