Midfielder joins Arsenal
Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a fee of £75m. The Brazil international midfielder has agreed to a four-year deal, which includes an option for an additional 12 months. Guimaraes, who will wear the No. 39 shirt for the Gunners, expressed his excitement about the move, stating he felt a need for a new challenge in his life.
The 28-year-old midfielder revealed that he had made it clear to Newcastle earlier this summer that he wished to join the Premier League champions. He described the decision to leave Newcastle as one of the “toughest decisions” of his life, acknowledging the significance of the club to him. Guimaraes indicated that he is ready for a new challenge for himself and his family.
Guimaraes departed Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium after a breakthrough in negotiations. He shared that he received messages from several of his new teammates, including fellow Brazil international 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.
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, welcomed Guimaraes to the club, highlighting his mentality, quality, and leadership. Berta noted that Guimaraes can operate as both a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, contributing goals and assists consistently. The club believes his arrival will further enhance their playing style and increase internal competitiveness, which is crucial for pursuing major trophies.
Guimaraes’ time at Newcastle
Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 from Lyon for £40m, at a time when the club was facing relegation challenges. He played a significant role in the team’s improved performance under former head coach Eddie Howe. During his tenure, he made 195 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals.
A notable achievement for Guimaraes at Newcastle was captaining the team to victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, marking the club’s first major domestic trophy in seven decades. He was also part of the squad that secured qualification for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, before the team finished 12th in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle had expressed their desire to retain the Brazil international, who had two years remaining on his contract, along with a club-held option for a third year. However, his departure contributes to Newcastle’s player sales this summer, which have now exceeded £240m. Other significant sales include Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m. The club also saw the departure of head coach Eddie Howe during what has been described as a turbulent period.
A statement from Newcastle indicated that the agreed fee for Guimaraes represents one of the top-10 highest transfer fees ever received for a player aged 28 or over, and a record fee for a player of his age and position combined. Newcastle wished Guimaraes and his family well as he embarks on this new chapter.
Guimaraes expressed his pride in what he and Newcastle achieved together, noting that he “fell in love with this place” due to the support from fans, teammates, and staff. He thanked the club’s leadership for their efforts to keep him at Newcastle, acknowledging their respect throughout the transfer process. He also mentioned having a positive conversation with Matthias Jaissle, suggesting the club is in capable hands.
New challenge and aspirations
Upon joining Arsenal, Guimaraes stated, “I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this. I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it.” He conveyed his excitement to begin and contribute to the team’s goals, particularly with the challenging games ahead this season.
The arrival of Guimaraes is expected to significantly bolster Arsenal’s midfield options, joining players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. This move comes after Arsenal had an initial bid rejected before the £75m fee was agreed upon.
Guimaraes had previously been a target for Arsenal on two occasions: in 2020 when he played for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, and again 18 months later during his time at Lyon before he moved to Newcastle. His decision to join Arsenal was solidified after his first meeting with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
The midfielder’s departure from Newcastle was described by the club’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, as a situation where they had no option but to allow him to leave, given Guimaraes’ clear desire for a new challenge. Wilson noted that while it wasn’t part of their initial strategy for the summer, the club needed to be flexible and react to the circumstances.
Source: bbc.com
