Arsenal transfers: Eddie Howe reveals Bruno Guimaraes 'hope' and issues talks update

It has been another difficult summer for Newcastle, who in two pre-season matches so far have been held to a draw by non-league Gateshead and thumped 4-1 by Bristol City.Eddie Howe is desperate to keep ahold of Bruno GuimaraesPAHowe is coming under increasing pressure from the Geordie faithful after a beleaguered Newcastle staggered to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season, and he can ill afford to lose another fan-favourite like Guimaraes.Speaking after the Bristol defeat on Wednesday night, Howe insisted he remains in constant contact with Guimaraes, but revealed he had not received any assurances from the player with regards to his future.“We’ve spoken numerous times,” said Howe, speaking pitchside at Ashton Gate. “Assurances, I don’t think you can push too hard for those. “I’ve said many times you want players who are committed. Bruno has always been committed here. His training performances, game performances have been outstanding.No assurances: Bruno GuimaraesGetty“Every time he’s worn the shirt, he’s played with the fans by his side. I’d love to see that continue.”In spite of that, Howe continued, saying it is a no-brainer for him to want to keep Guimaraes on Tyneside: “I think we want to keep all of our best players, they are so valuable. Read More“I have said numerous times, there’s not many of them. To get them is so difficult and develop them, so when you get them you want to keep them.“Bruno is very much in that category, he’s an outstanding player. On a night like tonight of course he’d have helped us.”Guimaraes is set to report for pre-season training on Friday.