Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for £75m. The midfielder, who was previously captain for Newcastle, expressed his desire to join the Premier League champions earlier in the summer. He has signed a four-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months.
The Brazil international described his departure from Newcastle as one of the most challenging decisions of his life. He stated, “This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me. But I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family.” Newcastle conveyed their best wishes to Guimarães and his family.
Guimarães left Newcastle‘s training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier in the week to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium after a breakthrough in negotiations. He mentioned receiving messages from future teammates, including his countryman Gabriel and fellow midfielder Declan Rice. Rice reportedly told him, “come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.”
The midfielder indicated his ambition to win trophies and make history with Arsenal. “I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this,” Guimarães said. “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.”
Guimarães’ Impact at Newcastle
Guimarães joined Newcastle in January 2022 when the club was in a challenging position, facing relegation. He played a significant role in the team’s improved performance under former head coach Eddie Howe. His contributions helped the club qualify for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, although they finished 12th in the Premier League last season.
He also made history as the first captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy for Newcastle, leading them to victory over Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final. Guimarães made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals for Newcastle during his time at St. James’ Park.
In a statement to Newcastle, Guimarães expressed his affection for the club and its supporters. “I fell in love with this place. I really mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my teammates, Eddie and the staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.” He also thanked PIF, chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and Jamie Reuben, as well as David and Ross, for their efforts to keep him at the club.
New Challenge at Arsenal
Arsenal‘s sporting director, Andrea Berta, highlighted the significance of Guimarães’ arrival, stating that it further strengthens the heart of the team. Berta noted Guimarães’ versatility, describing him as a player who can operate as both a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, combining quality with quantity and consistently contributing goals and assists.
The addition of Guimarães is expected to boost Mikel Arteta‘s midfield options, which already include players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Guimarães expressed his excitement about joining what he considers one of the best midfields in Europe.
Newcastle‘s sporting director, Ross Wilson, indicated that the club had no option but to allow Guimarães to leave. Wilson explained that Guimarães had emotionally expressed his desire to move on, which influenced the club’s decision when a certain financial offer was met. The agreed fee for Guimarães is among the highest transfer fees received for a player aged 28 or over, and a record for a player of his age and position combined.
Guimarães had a positive conversation with Newcastle‘s new manager, Matthias Jaissle, before his departure, and he leaves the club believing it is in good hands. He told Arsenal‘s website that he felt a new challenge was necessary after speaking with Berta and Mikel Arteta.
Guimarães had previously been a target for Arsenal on two occasions: in 2020 while playing for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, and 18 months later when he was with French club Lyon, before he eventually moved to Newcastle. He revealed that he was excited after his initial conversations with Arsenal‘s manager and sporting director.
The midfielder’s arrival is anticipated to enhance Arsenal‘s internal competitiveness, which Berta stated is crucial for maintaining the standards required to win major trophies. Guimarães is eager to begin playing and getting to know his new teammates, with tough games ahead in the current season.
Guimarães’ move to Arsenal was finalised after he left Newcastle‘s training camp earlier this week.
Source: bbc.co.uk
