Paris Saint-Germain are no longer involved in the race to sign Manchester City target Bruno Guimaraes, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The former CBS Sports reporter posted an update on X to claim that PSG are “out of the race”, leaving the Cityzens and Arsenal to battle it out for the Brazilian international.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain the favourites for Guimaraes, with the Gunners said to be unwilling to trigger the release clause in the player’s contract.
The 26-year-old can be signed for £100m this summer, and City are reportedly weighing up whether to pay the necessary fee.
There is a deadline on the buyout clause
Reports in the Brazilian media over the last couple of days have confirmed that the clause is only valid until June 24th.
It means that City have less than a month to decide on whether to buy Guimaraes. After that date, the Premier League champions would be forced into negotiations with Newcastle.
The Magpies are not thought to be keen on selling the midfielder, and the player himself is not expected to force a move away from St James’ Park.
Do City need Guimaraes?
There is a good argument for signing the Brazilian. With Kalvin Phillips set to be sold, there is very little cover for Rodri.
The Spanish international is an integral figure in City’s starting eleven, with the club having not lost any of the last 74 games when he has been on the pitch.
However, Rodri has admitted that he has been suffering from fatigue in recent weeks, and the club need to find a way to lift the burden on the midfielder. Guimaraes would seem to be the perfect solution.
He can play the no.6 role but, like Rodri, he is equally capable of producing the goods in the final third with goals and assists.
