Newcastle contact Luka Sucic to replace Arsenal-bound Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle United have made contact with Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sucic as they prepare to replace Arsenal-bound captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian international is edging closer to a £75m move to the Premier League champions, ending a hugely successful four-and-a-half-year spell on Tyneside.
His imminent departure marks another significant change at St James’ Park following the resignation of manager Eddie Howe and the high-profile exits of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Reunion with Jaissle on the cards
New Magpies head coach Matthias Jaissle faces a monumental rebuilding task ahead of his debut season in English football.
The German tactician has highlighted Sucic as a primary target, having previously managed the 23-year-old during a highly successful stint at RB Salzburg.
The Croatian international was a mainstay under his former boss before securing a transfer to San Sebastian in the summer of 2024.
Since arriving in Spain, the powerful playmaker has established himself as a regular in La Liga, contributing seven goals across 68 appearances for the Basque club.
While primarily deployed centrally, the Austrian-born talent possesses the versatility to operate in an advanced attacking role should he complete the switch to England.
Bundesliga alternatives assessed
While the Real Sociedad star remains a priority, the North East outfit are also evaluating two alternative options from the German top flight.
Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha and VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller have both been identified by the recruitment team.
Supporters on Tyneside will remember Nmecha vividly after he scored the decisive goal against them during a Champions League group stage clash in 2023.
The dynamic ball-carrier enhanced his reputation this summer by featuring for Germany at the World Cup, netting in a sweeping 7-1 victory over Curacao.
Meanwhile, Stiller offers a more defensive profile who dictates play from deep with an excellent range of passing.
The former Hoffenheim anchorman also gained valuable international experience at the recent global tournament, representing his country against Ecuador.