Arsenal has completed the recruitment of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for a fee of 75 million pounds. The Brazilian midfielder has become a notable addition to coach Mikel Arteta's squad, and also closed more than 4 years of attachment to Newcastle.
Guimaraes admits that the opportunity to join Arsenal at the age of 28 is something he does not want to miss. Previously, Newcastle had done everything to keep this midfielder, but he believes this is the right time to seek new challenges.
I will say that I can pass the ball well, run a lot and play like a warrior. I will never give up" - Guimaraes shared when asked what Arsenal fans can expect from him.
Guimaraes was once a target pursued by Arsenal from the early days Arteta led the team. Edu Gaspar, Andrea Berta's predecessor, contacted this midfielder when he was still playing for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, before moving to Lyon in January 2020.
The Gunners" continued to be interested in Guimaraes when Newcastle signed him for 40 million Euros in January 2022. That deal later became a nightmare for Arsenal when Guimaraes scored in Newcastle's 2-0 victory, contributing to the Gunners missing the opportunity to win a Champions League spot.
In nine encounters with Arsenal in the Premier League, Guimaraes has only scored one goal but often leaves his mark. He has played in many different positions and is particularly prominent in his tackling ability. In encounters with Arsenal since his Premier League debut, the Brazilian midfielder has moved more, won more tackles and fouled more than any other player.
Now, Guimaraes will no longer face Declan Rice but become the teammate of the English midfielder. Rice was one of the first to welcome the Brazilian newcomer with a humorous message: "Come here and please don't argue anymore, we are friends now".
The appearance of Guimaraes helps Arteta have another important option in midfield. The Brazilian midfielder has the ability to play box-to-box, and has also played a deeper role at Newcastle. This allows Arteta to rotate personnel and reduce the burden on Rice, who has spent a season with a tight schedule with the England national team.
Rice played until the Champions League final before joining the England national team at the 2026 World Cup. He also had hamstring and lower back problems since December last year, so having another quality player to share the task is necessary.
Arteta also has to find a way to balance many options in midfield. Myles Lewis-Skelly was used in the defensive midfielder position in the late season and the Champions League final. Guimaraes also has experience playing lower, while Martin Odegaard is showing positive signs after a season affected by form and injuries.
After missing Morgan Rogers, Arsenal will continue to rely on Odegaard, Guimaraes and Eberechi Eze to improve their creativity. This is an area that has faced many difficulties against low and tight defenses last season.
After many years of being pursued by Arsenal, Guimaraes has finally become part of Arteta's plan. His next task is to prove his value in a midfield that already has many quality options.
