Arsenal sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in reported £75m deal

Arsenal have announced the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a move reported to be worth £75m.

The London club did not disclose the length of the contract but described it as a long-term deal. Guimaraes said he was joining Arsenal with the ambition of winning trophies and creating history.

“I am at a stage in my life where I want challenges like this. I want to win titles and make history, and I believe I am in the right place to do that,” Guimaraes said on Arsenal’s official website.

The 28-year-old also revealed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had contacted him before the transfer was completed.

“Rice sent me a message saying, ‘Please join us, no more battles.’ Now we are friends, and I was happy with his message,” Guimaraes added.

Guimaraes said Arsenal’s midfield was among the best in world football and praised the quality of the players already at the club.

“I think Arsenal have one of the best midfields in the world. Every player here is excellent,” he said.

The Brazil international spent the past several seasons at Newcastle United after joining the club from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2021.

He made 29 Premier League appearances during the previous campaign, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His performances established him as an influential figure in Newcastle’s midfield before his move to Arsenal.

Reflecting on his experience of facing Arsenal as a Newcastle player, Guimaraes said he had been impressed by the way Mikel Arteta’s side controlled matches.

“Every time we played against Arsenal, it was difficult because they keep the ball and defend well. I think that combination is the way I want to play and, of course, joining the league champions will always be a great opportunity,” he said.

The signing responds to Arsenal’s interest in adding Guimaraes to a midfield already featuring Rice. His comments suggest that the relationship between the two players has shifted from competition on the pitch to a partnership at club level.

Arsenal’s announcement did not include the exact value of the transfer, but reports put the fee at £75m. The club also confirmed that the agreement with Guimaraes was long term, without specifying the number of years.

Guimaraes arrived in England in 2021 after leaving Olympique Lyonnais for Newcastle United. During his time at Newcastle, he became a regular Premier League starter and continued to contribute both goals and assists from midfield.

His nine goals and five assists in 29 league matches last season were the latest figures from his Newcastle campaign provided in the announcement of his transfer. He now begins the next stage of his career at Arsenal, where he says he hopes to challenge for trophies and help the club make history.