After failing to activate Bruno Guimaraes' release clause, Arsenal could now target a former Newcastle United midfielder instead of a current one.
The Magpies have managed to hold onto the 26-year-old so far, despite Bruno being aware that Arsenal were interested.
They had their eyes on a player who they missed out on at Lyon, but were not prepared to pay PS100million. It was reported that Arsenal think they can sign Bruno for less than that amount later in the summer, but they might have another thing coming.
Newcastle now have control over Bruno's future - control they had lost while his release clause was active. The hope now is that the Brazilian will remain on Tyneside, while one of his suitors are pondering a move for a former Newcastle United midfielder.
Arsenal target former Newcastle United star That is according to the Athletic, who report that Arsenal are still interested in signing a centre-midfielder ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Before that, he was at St James' Park, and he was someone who Toon fans absolutely loved. And it sounds like Mikel Arteta feels the same, with the Athletic stating that the Arsenal boss is a big fan of his 'talent and physicality'.
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Mikel Merino was Spain's Euro 2024 hero on Friday Merino was the toast of Spain on Friday night, as they advanced to the semi finals of Euro 2024.
They beat Germany 2-1 in a thrilling game in Stuttgart, knocking out the hosts to set up a final four clash with France.
And it was all thanks to Merino, who came off the bench to score the winner. He rose highest in the 119th minute to crash home a header, getting on the end of Dani Olmo's cross to send Spain through and break German hearts.
It was an incredible moment for Spain and Merino, and it reminded Toon fans of what they previously had.
Why Newcastle sold Mikel Merino When Merino was signed by Rafa Benitez in 2017, he was relatively unknown. But he quickly proved to be a classy operator in midfield, and someone who could have an extremely bright future on Tyneside.
However, a back problem limited his minutes during his debut season at St James' Park, and it actually proved to be his only season.
One year after arriving at Newcastle, Merino was gone. He left to join Real Sociedad for PS10million, who activated his release clause.
Interestingly, it was a release clause that was only available to Basque clubs. That was according to Rafa Benitez, who recently spoke about Merino's move from Newcastle to Real Sociedad.
It was a real shame to see him leave, and now he could potentially return to the Premier League. Sadly, it could be in the red of Arsenal rather than the black and white of Newcastle.