Newcastle accelerating move for £43m star amid major Bruno to Arsenal development

Newcastle United are stepping up a move for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, with Arsenal preparing a new bid for Magpies skipper Bruno Guimaraes.

It has been a difficult summer for Newcastle thus far, with Sandro Tonali leaving to join Tottenham Hotspur, and given that Guimaraes’ future also in doubt, Larsson, who has been valued at £43m, has emerged as a target.

The Swedish midfielder has been a key player for Frankfurt since joining in the summer of 2023, picking up ten goals and seven assists in 119 appearances for the German side, and much like Guimaraes and Tonali, he is suited to playing in a deeper role.

That is because the 22-year-old thrives from a defensive point of view, averaging 1.5 interceptions per 90 in the Bundesliga last season. For reference, Joelinton ranked highest on that metric for the Magpies in the Premier League, averaging 1.4.

Not only that, but the Frankfurt star is also skilled at advancing the ball up the pitch, with scout Ben Mattinson describing him as a “top ball-carrier”, and praising him for his “insane” running power.

That said, two of Eddie Howe‘s midfielders from last season managed to outperform the Frankfurt maestro across a number of key metrics last season, which suggests he may not be a ready-made replacement for either player.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Newcastle are now accelerating a move for Larsson, as there is an ‘acceptance’ Guimaraes will end up leaving this summer.

A source added: “Newcastle are intensifying their interest in Hugo Larsson in the wake of Arsenal preparing a new bid for Bruno Guimaraes.

“Despite what’s being reported, Arsenal are really pushing for Guimaraes, and Newcastle recognise that the player also wants to go. As long as the price is right, they’re not going to stand in his way.”

However, the Magpies may have to fend off interest from Manchester United, who have also taken an interest in the Bundesliga star.

Newcastle’s other midfield targets

After missing out on Johan Manzambi, who ultimately ended up signing for Aston Villa, Newcastle have been forced to search for alternative targets in central midfield, and Galatasaray star Gabriel Sara is among them.

Talks have already been held with the former Norwich City man’s agents, regarding a return to England, off the back of a 2025-26 campaign in which he picked up five goals and four assists in 27 Turkish Super Lig outings.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall is also an option, but it could take up to £50m to tempt Roberto De Zerbi’s side into a sale, and there is rival interest from Nottingham Forest.