Bruno Guimaraes has completed a £75 million transfer from Newcastle United to Arsenal, signing a four-year contract with the Premier League champions. The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder is set to join forces with Arsenal’s Declan Rice in the club’s central midfield, bringing an end to a summer-long transfer saga.
Guimaraes, who became Newcastle’s first captain to lift a domestic trophy in 70 years after their 2025 Carabao Cup victory, expressed enthusiasm about the move, emphasizing his desire to compete for major honors. “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I’m in the right place to do it,” he said. Having participated in two World Cups, Guimaraes said the decision to join Arsenal came from a personal need for a new challenge, especially with Newcastle selling key players recently and the club’s changing ambitions.
Before finalizing the transfer, Guimaraes noted that Rice reached out to him to reconcile past on-field tensions. The two players had several physical confrontations while playing against each other for their former clubs, including a notable incident in a 2023 match between Newcastle and Arsenal. Guimaraes recounted, “Rice sent me a message: ‘Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends!’ I was happy he messaged me.” Both are expected to form a formidable midfield partnership under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the club aims for domestic and European success following their recent Premier League title and a Champions League final appearance.
Guimaraes joins a growing contingent of Brazilian players at Arsenal, including Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. He highlighted his previous World Cup experience playing alongside Gabriel and Martinelli and spoke of their encouragement during his transfer process. “Big Gabi was very excited. Every time he sent me the message, ‘We’ll wait for you, when will you come?’” Guimaraes said.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed the acquisition, praising Guimaraes’ leadership qualities and technical ability. He added that the new signing would enhance the team’s competitiveness and contribute to the club’s playing style, which is crucial for maintaining high performance levels as they pursue further trophies.
Guimaraes promised Arsenal supporters dedication and resilience, calling himself their “warrior” and pledging to give his all on the pitch. With this move, he becomes Arsenal’s second-most expensive player behind Rice and joins a team poised to challenge for top honours in the upcoming season.