According to the same reports, Newcastle United are no longer pursuing Corinthians midfielder André. The Brazilian has been linked with the Magpies on several occasions in the past, but the latest update suggests the club has now shifted its focus elsewhere. Rather than continuing that pursuit, Newcastle are concentrating on alternative midfield options as they prepare for what could become one of the biggest transfer stories involving the club this summer.
ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade, who has been reporting extensively on Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimarães, claims Newcastle are already planning for the Brazil international’s potential departure. The midfielder is expected to join Arsenal if the two clubs can reach an agreement, and Andrade says the Magpies are already working on replacements.
“Newcastle are already counting on his departure at those figures and have two midfielders in negotiations,” Andrade said. “One deal is more advanced than the other. They are looking at two players to replace what they see as Bruno Guimarães’ imminent move to Arsenal, which has always been his preferred destination.”
One of the players Newcastle are believed to be considering is Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha. Aston Villa have also been in talks with Bayern over the Portuguese international in recent weeks, but with no breakthrough reached, Newcastle could look to take advantage if they decide to accelerate negotiations.
Palhinha emerges as Bruno Guimarães replacement
According to Andrade, Newcastle have drawn up a two-man shortlist, with one negotiation already at a more advanced stage than the other. While he acknowledged that multiple names are under consideration, he only revealed one publicly as discussions continue behind the scenes.
“The offer is substantial, it is concrete, and Bruno is heading towards joining Arsenal,” Andrade said before revealing that Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha is one of the players Newcastle have “on the table.”

“One of those players is João Palhinha,” he added. “The Portuguese midfielder is under contract with Bayern Munich after spending last season on loan at Tottenham. Newcastle see him as a good replacement.”
Andrade also confirmed there is another midfielder under consideration, although he declined to identify the player. According to his information, Newcastle are assessing multiple options simultaneously as they prepare for the possible departure of Bruno Guimarães, with one negotiation believed to be further advanced than the other.
André no longer part of Newcastle’s plans
The report also provides an important update regarding Corinthians midfielder André. Although the Brazilian has been linked with Newcastle on several occasions in previous transfer windows, Andrade claims the Magpies are no longer pursuing a move for him this summer.
Instead, Juventus and several unnamed Premier League clubs are said to be monitoring the midfielder. As reported earlier this week, Crystal Palace are among the clubs showing interest. However, Andrade specifically stated that Newcastle are no longer in the race.
With interest in André now seemingly over and negotiations for João Palhinha progressing, Newcastle appear to have a clearer picture of their next steps in the transfer market. Much will depend on whether Bruno Guimarães completes his expected move to Arsenal, but the latest reports suggest the Magpies are already preparing for that possibility by lining up potential replacements behind the scenes.