Guimarães joins Arsenal
Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United in a deal reported to be worth £75m. The midfielder, who was previously captain for Newcastle, expressed his desire for a new challenge. He has signed a four-year deal with Arsenal, which includes an option for an additional 12 months.
Guimarães described the move as one of the most challenging decisions of his life, acknowledging his strong connection to Newcastle. He stated that he feels prepared for a new chapter for both himself and his family. The Brazil international left Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier in the week to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium following a breakthrough in negotiations.
The midfielder revealed that he received messages from several of his new teammates, including fellow Brazilian Gabriel and midfielder Declan Rice. Rice reportedly told him, “come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends,” referencing their previous encounters on the pitch.
A new challenge and trophy aspirations
Guimarães articulated his ambition to win trophies and make history, believing Arsenal to be the right environment for these goals. He expressed excitement about starting with the club. His decision to join Arsenal comes after previous interest from the club on two occasions, first in 2020 while he was with Athletico Paranaense, and again 18 months later during his time at Lyon, before he moved to Newcastle.
The midfielder admitted that his excitement to join Arsenal grew after his initial discussions with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. He conveyed that he felt a strong internal need for a new challenge in his life, viewing becoming an Arsenal player as an exciting prospect.
Andrea Berta commented on the acquisition, stating that Guimarães’s arrival further strengthens the core of the team. Berta highlighted Guimarães’s versatility, noting his ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player. He also pointed out the player’s consistent contributions of goals and assists. Berta believes that Guimarães will enable Mikel Arteta to further develop the team’s playing style and enhance internal competitiveness, which is considered vital for maintaining high standards in pursuit of major trophies.
Guimarães also issued a statement to Newcastle, reiterating that his departure was one of the toughest decisions he has made. He expressed his affection for the club, its supporters, his teammates, and the staff, acknowledging how they made him and his family feel at home. He also thanked the Public Investment Fund (PIF), chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and Jamie Reuben for their support.
Newcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, indicated that the club had no alternative but to allow Guimarães to leave. Wilson explained that Guimarães had respectfully, but emotionally, communicated his desire to move on. While this did not automatically mean he could leave, it influenced the club’s decision-making once a certain financial threshold was met. Wilson clarified that selling Guimarães was not part of Newcastle’s initial strategy for the summer but that the club needed to be flexible and react to unfolding events.
Midfield options and past achievements
Guimarães’s addition is expected to significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options. The squad now includes players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Guimarães himself remarked that, in his view, Arsenal’s midfield is among the best in Europe, expressing eagerness to connect with his new teammates.
Guimarães joined Newcastle in January 2022 when the club was facing relegation challenges. He played a key role in their improved performance under former head coach Eddie Howe. He was part of the squad that qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025. He also became the first captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy for Newcastle after they defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Last season, Newcastle finished in 12th place in the Premier League. Guimarães’s move to Arsenal marks a new chapter in his career, with the player having already participated in two World Cups.
Source: bbc.com
