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.
The 28-year-old midfielder expressed that the move was one of the “toughest decisions” of his life, stating that Newcastle means a great deal to him. However, he also indicated a desire for a new challenge for himself and his family, feeling ready for a fresh experience.
Guimaraes’ move to Emirates Stadium
Guimaraes departed Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to finalise his transfer to Emirates Stadium. This followed a breakthrough in discussions between the clubs.
He shared that he received messages from several future teammates, including fellow countryman 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.
Guimaraes expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, stating, “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it.” He will wear the no. 39 shirt for the Gunners.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, welcomed Guimaraes, highlighting his mentality, quality, and leadership. Berta noted that Guimaraes can play as both a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, combining quality with quantity and contributing goals and assists annually.
Berta added that Guimaraes’ arrival will enable manager Mikel Arteta to further develop the team’s playing style and enhance internal competitiveness, which is crucial for pursuing major trophies.
Newcastle’s player sales and Guimaraes’ impact
Newcastle had sought to retain the Brazil international, who had two years remaining on his contract, plus a club option for a third. His departure means Newcastle have now exceeded £240m in player sales this summer.
Other significant sales include Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona for £69.3m and Sandro Tonali moving to Spurs for £100m. Additionally, head coach Eddie Howe also left the club during 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.
Guimaraes informed Newcastle earlier this summer of his desire to join Arsenal if a suitable offer was made. An initial bid from Arsenal was rejected before the deal was finalised.
He joined the Magpies in 2022 from Lyon for £40m, making 195 appearances and scoring 31 goals. Guimaraes was also part of the team that qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.
Guimaraes became the first captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy for Newcastle after they defeated Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
He played a crucial role in Newcastle’s improvement under former head coach Eddie Howe, having joined the club when they were facing relegation in January 2022. Last season, Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League.
Newcastle stated they wished Guimaraes and his family well following his move.
Source: bbc.com
