Newcastle United are closing in on one of the summer's most eye-catching midfield additions after agreeing a £51.5m fee with Freiburg for Switzerland international Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a long-term deal at St James' Park, though the formalities will have to wait while his country remain in the World Cup.

Manzambi deal all but done

Manzambi has been one of the breakthrough names of this summer's tournament, catching the eye across the group stage and beyond. Newcastle moved decisively to beat off competition from elsewhere, and the noises out of Tyneside suggest this one is as close to a done deal as it gets without the ink being dry. The only complication is a minor knee injury that has left Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin uncertain about the midfielder's availability for Sunday's quarter-final against Argentina.

The club are not thought to be worried about the knock, and a long-term contract is ready and waiting. At £51.5m, it represents a significant but considered outlay for a player many believe is only going to get better.

Sean Steur also through the door

The Manzambi agreement is not Newcastle's only midfield business of the window. The club have already wrapped up the £23m signing of 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax on a five-year contract. The teenager has drawn considerable attention in Amsterdam, with more than one pundit drawing comparisons to Frenkie de Jong in terms of his standing as the club's most exciting emerging midfield prospect. Newcastle are rebuilding their engine room with youth firmly in mind.

Guimarães situation a growing concern

While the incoming business looks sharp, there is a more complicated subplot developing on Tyneside. Newcastle are publicly insisting that Bruno Guimarães is not for sale, but the 28-year-old has reportedly grown unsettled following the departures of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona. Arsenal have emerged as the party most interested in prising him away from the north east.

The Gunners have not yet tabled a formal bid, but should they come in at around the £75m mark, Newcastle will face a genuine dilemma. Guimarães is understood to be weighing up a move that could see his wages almost double in north London, and how forcefully he pushes to go is likely to be the decisive factor. The club may look at offering a new contract as a way of changing the dynamic.

It has been a turbulent few weeks on Tyneside. Losing Tonali and Gordon in the same window was a jolt, and the prospect of Guimarães following them out of the door would represent a significant blow to the squad's identity. The arrivals of Manzambi and Steur signal ambition, but keeping hold of their best players will matter just as much as who comes in.

What it means for Newcastle's season

Eddie Howe's squad is clearly in a state of flux, but the direction of travel in the transfer market at least looks promising. Manzambi, if he arrives fit and settled, adds a different profile — a young, dynamic, technically assured midfielder who has proved himself on the international stage at a tournament level. Paired with Steur, Newcastle's midfield could look very different — and potentially very exciting — come the start of the Premier League campaign.

The market will be watching closely to see whether Arsenal push harder for Guimarães and whether Newcastle can hold their ground. One thing is clear: this window is far from over on Tyneside.

Frequently asked

How much are Newcastle paying for Johan Manzambi?
Newcastle have agreed a fee of £51.5m with German club Freiburg for the 20-year-old Switzerland midfielder.
Is Bruno Guimarães leaving Newcastle for Arsenal?
Newcastle insist Guimarães is not for sale, but the Brazilian has become unsettled. Arsenal are interested and if they bid around £75m, Newcastle will face a difficult decision.
Who is Sean Steur and why have Newcastle signed him?
Sean Steur is an 18-year-old midfielder signed from Ajax for £23m. He has been highly regarded as one of Ajax's top emerging talents and has joined on a five-year contract.