Fresh details have emerged revealing the specific negotiation tactics employed by the Gunners during the transfer saga which is nearing a conclusion. Shortly thereafter, Guimaraes indicated to Newcastle management that he was open to joining the reigning Premier League champions. Downie reports: "Arsenal elongated the transfer by refusing to contact Newcastle for weeks — which Newcastle found bizarre." Newcastle were desperate to retain Guimaraes and had zero desire to sell their marquee midfielder, but found their hands tied. Relations between Guimaraes and Newcastle remain entirely amicable ahead of his arrival in North London.