The genius Arsenal and Newcastle United summer swap transfer deal that would be a boost for both clubs

Do you remember, back in the day, when you would trade Yu-Gi-Oh! cards on the playground? Do you recall the entire fictitious economy that sprang up around them; the juvenile wheeling and dealing, the bartering and pleading, the inevitable complaints to a teacher that somebody somewhere had been screwed over, and the subsequent blanket ban, forcing the whole thing underground into a kind of collectable-based black market? Well, it would appear that some things never really change.

In Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle United have themselves a veritable Blue Eyes White Dragon - powerful, shining, highly sought after. Indeed, the Brazilian has been frequently linked with an exit in recent months as all kinds of Premier League heavy hitters circle intently. In amongst that meddlesome throng are Arsenal, who, in lieu of a full cash payment for the midfielder, could instead look to tempt the Magpies into a trade with a composite array of slightly lesser assets; a Dark Magician here, a Black Luster Soldier there, maybe a patently knock-off leg of Exodia to properly sweeten the deal.

You see, the situation is thus: the Gunners have grown frustrated in their efforts to lure Spanish star Martin Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad, and have consequently turned their attentions to Guimaraes, as per an exclusive from Football Transfers. In an attempt to soften up his current employers, however - and presumably to make any prospective more financially viable from their point of view - Arsenal could also offer up one or more players as makeweights to hasten along an agreement. Those said to be on the proverbial chopping block at the Emirates are Emile Smith Rowe, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah, and Alberti Sambi Lokonga.

Some of those names will be more tempting to Newcastle than others. Take Partey, for instance, an elite midfielder when fully fit who would go some way towards plugging the vacuum created by Guimaraes’ hypothetical departure. Or Nketiah, perhaps, an alluring possibility for a club who are expected to lose Callum Wilson over the coming weeks. Then there is Smith Rowe, deemed worthy of senior England recognition just a couple of years ago, and Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League champion still very much in the prime of his career. Even Lokonga, much-maligned during his stint in North London, showed signs of real promise during a loan spell with Luton Town last season.

All of this is to say that there could be a half-decent deal to be struck here, from a Toon perspective. While nobody of a black and white persuasion would want to see Guimaraes leave St. James’ Park anytime soon, the lingering outside pressures of Financial Fair Play regulations could force their hand into a reluctant sale.

What better way of minimising the impact of that blow than bringing in a talent - or multiple talents - capable of making up for the shortfall? Coupled with a hefty chunk of cash, it could ultimately prove to be a palatable scenario for all involved; Arsenal get their man at a reduced fee, Newcastle ease their financial constraints while welcoming a fresh face or two, and said fresh faces are afforded a clean slate at a new club. Even Guimaraes, who has expressed his contentment on Tyneside in the recent past, would struggle to protest too much at the notion of moving to a Premier League title contender.

The balance will have to be exact, and the negotiations would likely be protracted and complex, but if an agreement of this kind can be reached, then unlike those snotty-sleeved card games of yesteryear, perhaps everybody can walk away feeling relatively happy with their lot.