Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a £75m transfer. The Brazil international has agreed to a four-year deal, with an option for an additional 12 months.
Guimaraes, who is 28 years old, expressed that the move was one of the most challenging decisions of his life. He stated his desire for a new experience and challenge for himself and his family, feeling ready for the next step in his career.
The midfielder shared his excitement about joining Arsenal, mentioning conversations with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta. He will wear the no. 39 shirt for the Gunners and promised to give his best, aiming to create many positive memories with the club.
Guimaraes’ Departure from Newcastle
Guimaraes told Newcastle he wanted to leave. Newcastle initially rejected an opening bid before the £75m fee was agreed upon.
He departed Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium. Guimaraes revealed he received messages from future teammates, including fellow Brazilian Gabriel and midfielder Declan Rice. Rice reportedly told him, “come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.”
Newcastle released a statement wishing Guimaraes and his family well. The club noted that the agreed fee is among the top highest transfer fees ever received for a player aged or older, and a record for a player of his age and position combined.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 from Lyon for £40m. He made appearances for the club, scoring goals. He was part of the side 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 won the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal’s Strengthened Midfield
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed Guimaraes, highlighting his mentality, quality, and leadership. Berta noted that Guimaraes’ arrival will further strengthen the team’s core and allow Mikel Arteta to develop their playing style, increasing internal competitiveness.
Guimaraes’ versatility as both a defensive and box-to-box midfielder, combined with his consistent contributions of goals and assists, is expected to benefit Arsenal. His addition provides more options for Arteta and could allow Declan Rice to rest in certain games.
Newcastle had aimed to keep the Brazil international, who had two years remaining on his contract. However, his departure means Newcastle have now surpassed £240m in player sales this summer. Other notable departures include Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali to Spurs for £100m.
Newcastle insisted on their valuation for Guimaraes, stating it was their terms or no deal. They also required the situation to be handled properly, with Guimaraes attending their training camp in Spain before finalising the move.
Guimaraes expressed his pride in what he achieved with Newcastle, stating he fell in love with the club and its supporters. He thanked the club’s leadership and staff for their respect throughout the process, noting they did everything possible to keep him at Newcastle.
He is excited to start his new chapter, stating, “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it.”
Source: bbc.com
