Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign midfielder Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United for a reported £75 million, with the fee to be paid over 24 months. The deal marks the culmination of a summer-long pursuit by Arsenal, who initially made a £69 million offer that included add-ons, but Newcastle insisted on a flat fee to facilitate their own transfer budget and squad rebuilding.
Guimarães, 28, underwent a medical with Arsenal and subsequently left Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, where he had informed the incoming Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle of his intention to depart. Jaissle, 38, was officially appointed as head coach of Newcastle last week, succeeding Eddie Howe. Despite still being relatively new to the club, Jaissle faced the early challenge of losing his captain, which could impact Newcastle’s plans for the upcoming season.
Joining Newcastle in January 2022 from Lyon for £42 million, Guimarães played a key role in the club's midfield and captained the team to a historic Carabao Cup victory in 2025, Newcastle’s first major domestic trophy since 1955. His exit follows the significant summer departures of other key players, including Anthony Gordon, sold for £70 million, and Sandro Tonali, who left for £100 million. Newcastle has stated its intention to only sell players at top market value amid their transfer activity.
As part of their squad refresh, Newcastle have bolstered their goalkeeping options by signing Czech Republic international Lukas Hornicek from Braga for a fee reported to be around £25.7 million. Hornicek is Newcastle's second goalkeeper signing this summer and the club’s fifth overall addition.
For Arsenal, signing Guimarães is a strategic move to strengthen their midfield options. The Brazilian’s Premier League experience, with over 150 appearances, is seen as vital by manager Mikel Arteta, who is aiming to build on last season’s Premier League title triumph. Arsenal relied heavily on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield last season, and Guimarães’ arrival is expected to increase squad depth and flexibility as the club targets sustained success.
The transfer also has financial implications for Lyon, Guimarães’ former club, which is due 20 percent of the profit Newcastle makes on the player’s sale, amounting to an estimated £8 million windfall. Arsenal, meanwhile, will return to London to continue their pre-season preparations following recent friendlies in Girona and Dublin.
Guimarães’ move reflects Arsenal’s ambition to capitalize on the prime years of the Brazilian’s career and compete at a higher level in their quest for additional silverware.