Bruno Guimaraes begins Arsenal chapter as Newcastle agree landmark £75m sale

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a deal reported to be worth £75m, strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new season.

The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year. His move brings an end to his Newcastle United career, which began in 2022, according to an official statement from Arsenal on Saturday.

Arsenal have not disclosed the financial terms of the transfer. However, several British media outlets, including Sky Sports, reported that the deal is worth £75m.

Guimaraes said: “I feel great and I am very happy with this opportunity. From the first time I spoke to Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, I felt excited. I had an inner feeling that I needed a new challenge in my life, and I believe playing for Arsenal will be an exciting challenge.”

He added: “I am extremely excited to join you. I will give everything I have, I promise you that. I am your warrior and I will never give up. I hope we can create many wonderful memories together.”

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised the midfielder’s technical ability and character, saying Guimaraes would provide the team with an important presence both on and off the pitch.

“We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club. He is a player with a strong mentality and great quality, and he will add important leadership to our squad,” said Berta.

“With Bruno joining, we continue to strengthen the heart of our team. As we have all seen, he can play as a defensive midfielder or as a box-to-box midfielder. He combines quality with hard work, while also providing goals and assists for his team every season.”

Berta added: “Bruno will allow Mikel to continue developing our style of play, while raising the level of competition within the team. That is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win the biggest trophies.”

Newcastle United had been keen to retain Guimaraes, who had two years remaining on his contract as well as an option allowing the club to extend it for another season. However, the player’s desire to take on a new challenge ultimately determined the outcome of the transfer.

Earlier in the summer, Guimaraes told Newcastle officials that he wanted to join Arsenal, provided a suitable offer was made. Newcastle initially rejected the first proposal submitted by the Gunners, but the two clubs later reached an agreement worth £75m.

The transfer means the total value of players sold by Newcastle United during the summer transfer window has passed £240m.

Anthony Gordon has also moved to Barcelona for £69.3m, while Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham in a £100m deal. The club have also seen manager Eddie Howe leave during a period of significant change.

Newcastle United said in an official statement that the Guimaraes fee ranks among the 10 highest transfer fees ever received by a club for a player aged 28 or older. The club also described it as a record fee for a player of his age and position combined.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle United from French club Lyon in 2022 for £40m. He made 195 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals and helping the club win the EFL Cup.

Despite completing the move, Guimaraes said leaving Newcastle had been one of the most difficult decisions of his life because of his emotional connection with the club and its supporters.

“This was one of the hardest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was going through a difficult period, and I am extremely proud of what we achieved together,” he said.

“I fell in love with this place, and I truly mean that. From my first day, the fans, my team-mates, Eddie Howe and the coaching staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.”

The Brazil international thanked the Public Investment Fund, club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben and Newcastle’s officials, saying they had done everything possible to keep him at the club.

“This move is extremely difficult because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to have a new experience in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for me and my family,” Guimaraes said.

“I had a very positive conversation with Matias Jaissle, and I leave knowing that the club is in safe hands.”

He concluded his message to Newcastle supporters by saying: “Thank you will never be enough, but I say it from the bottom of my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club’s journey. Thank you for everything.”