Eddie Howe warns Arsenal and Premier League rivals off Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle United have warned Arsenal and Manchester City they will not be able to sign Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak with manager Eddie Howe refuting the idea they have to sell one of their star players this summer.

Howe was more belligerent than he had been previously when asked about the speculation surrounding Bruno and Isak, sounding far more confident that both would still be playing in black and white stripes next season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for both players, with manager Mikel Arteta on the lookout for a new central midfield player as well as a striker.

Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have also been widely reported to have a strong interest in Brazil international Bruno, although the fact his release clause, which is activated by bids of £100 million, is only active until the end of June makes it very hard for clubs to come up with that sort of money before it expires because of profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

It is Isak, 24, who has scored 20 goals this season in the league and 23 in all competitions, who seems to be the most coveted, but with four years left on his contract and having already publicly — as well as privately — declared his intention to stay at Newcastle, Howe tackled the speculation about his future head on.

“I don’t think of anything to do with those things [talk of him leaving],” said Howe, whose side will move a step closer to securing European football again next season if they can beat Brighton at home this weekend. “And judging by Alex’s performances and training and just how he is day to day, I don’t see him thinking about those things or dealing with those rumours.

“It’s business as usual. When you’re in the position that he’s in and he’s scoring goals, you get used to people talking about you and possibly creating rumours that are true, aren’t true, I’ve got no idea.

“For us, we’re just focusing on our future with Alex, we’re focusing on trying to build our team with him in it. He’s going to be an integral part of our future.

“We signed him knowing that he was young and we wanted to develop his talents and give him an opportunity to showcase what he could do and, for me, that was a long-term journey, hopefully, and I’ve just seen him flourish this year.

“I think he’s enjoyed the environment, he’s enjoyed the team that he’s played in and I hope he does that for many years to come.”

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