Casemiro has once again nominated a successor, will Manchester United buy him? The official website's updated squad list highlights an urgent need for a defensive midfielder.

With July's arrival, Casemiro's contract with Manchester United has come to an end, making him no longer part of the team, and the club can no longer claim his World Cup allowance. The club's website has also removed Casemiro from the senior squad roster. Currently, the midfield options in Carrick's squad include eight players: Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, Dan Gore, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Ugarte. While the number seems sufficient, four of them are inexperienced academy youngsters with limited Premier League exposure, two are primarily attacking midfielders, and one is a serious injury case who may miss the entire season.

Before leaving Manchester United, Casemiro once again recommended his Brazilian teammate Bruno Guimarães to his former club. "Bruno Guimarães is a great player and a perfect professional. He could improve any team in the world. I believe Manchester United needs a player like him, and I'm certain he will shine wherever he goes."

Casemiro's message is clear: United need to add more quality, control, and leadership in midfield, and he believes his national teammate Guimarães perfectly fits the bill. In a match against Japan, Guimarães delivered a key assist, including a fine pass to "Fat Tiger." During this World Cup, Guimarães has already recorded four assists.

Even before the World Cup, Casemiro had singled out Guimarães as his successor. The Newcastle United captain responded at the time, saying it was an honor. "Hearing something like that from a successful figure like Casemiro is certainly an honor," Guimarães told AS. "To be honest, I haven't thought about it right now. My full focus is on this World Cup. Participating in the World Cup at my best is a dream, and my goal is to help Brazil win the title. I'm always ready to contribute to the team."

The 28-year-old Guimarães was once among several midfield targets for Manchester United, but rumors have since cooled. Currently, the club showing more interest is Arsenal, who made a £55 million bid, which was immediately and firmly rejected by Newcastle.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Arsenal submitted an initial bid worth £55 million for Guimarães, but Newcastle rejected it straight away. Their position is very clear: they have no intention of selling the player or entering any negotiations. Newcastle also informed Arsenal and Bruno's agent that the club wants to keep him and is not interested in any transfer discussions. However, Arsenal have made it known to the player's camp that they have told Newcastle they are preparing a higher offer. Arsenal are determined to try again with an improved bid."

The Athletic's authoritative David Ornstein stated: "Many inside Arsenal believe Guimarães would be a better fit for the team, complementing Declan Rice more effectively than some think Tonali could. Guimarães is not Arsenal's only midfield target; we've seen reports about Ayyoub Bouaddi, though it's unclear whether he will leave Lille. This indicates Arsenal are monitoring both the No. 6 and No. 8 positions and assessing various options on the transfer market."

Before Tonali's move to Tottenham was confirmed, there was speculation that Newcastle might consider offers above £65 million, but only if Guimarães himself strongly requested a transfer. Otherwise, the Saudi-backed Magpies are under no pressure to sell any of their assets.

Newcastle have already sold Tonali and Anthony Gordon in the summer window, bringing in a massive £170 million in transfer fees. Now, they have no intention of losing their captain. Guimarães still has two years left on his contract, and the Magpies hope to extend it with a lucrative offer to keep the Brazilian midfielder at St. James' Park.

Manchester United may also be monitoring Arsenal's moves, as the pool of available midfielders in the summer window is limited, and Arteta will likely sign at most one. If they want to avoid a bidding war, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team will have to steer clear of Arsenal's targets: if the Gunners go for Bournemouth's Alex Scott, then United could choose Guimarães or someone else, and vice versa.