Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe says he's had positive discussions with captain Bruno Guimaraes but cannot guarantee his future. Arsenal are reportedly set to make a £70m offer for the Brazil midfielder, though Newcastle do not want to lose their talisman. Guimaraes returns Friday for a pre-season camp in Spain.

Comparisons are drawn to Alexander Isak's departure last summer, but Howe insists there's "nothing to say Bruno won't be back training with us." The midfield has been weakened by Sandro Tonali's £100m move to Tottenham. Youngsters Sean Steur (from Ajax, up to £23m) and Aladji Bamba (from Monaco) have arrived.

Steur played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Gateshead, impressing Howe. Former Jong Ajax coach Willem Weijs praises Steur's technical ability but notes he must improve defensively and physically. Newcastle's new strategy targets continental players under 20, requiring patience.

Having lost Isak, Tonali and Anthony Gordon, Howe desperately wants to keep Guimaraes. He emphasizes supporting new signings and reducing pressure on their development.