Arteta explains why Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes as injury updates emerge

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal signed Bruno Guimaraes because the midfielder immediately demonstrated the energy, ambition and leadership the club needs to move to a higher level.

Arsenal announced the arrival of Guimaraes from Newcastle United after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the final of the Emirates Cup, a friendly tournament. The club has not disclosed the length of the Brazilian’s contract, describing it only as a long-term agreement.

Explaining the decision to bring Guimaraes to Emirates Stadium, Arsenal manager Arteta said: “Because we clearly saw the energy he brought immediately to the training ground, along with his enthusiasm and desire to come here and make great history with the club. That is the ambition we need.”

Arteta added: “We want to move to another level, and I am very convinced that we will need players with this character, desire and leadership qualities to push everybody inside the club to reach a higher level.”

Guimaraes is known by the nickname “the warrior”, a description Arteta believes is justified by the midfielder’s performances and personality.

“I think he has already proved that,” said Arteta. “I don’t think many people would disagree with describing him with that word, and we know very well what he will bring to the club.”

The signing comes as Arsenal continue their preparations for the new campaign. Borussia Dortmund scored three times in Sunday’s Emirates Cup final through Samuel Inacio, Konstantinos Kartsas and Joan Gado.

Arsenal’s goals were scored by Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres, but they were unable to prevent defeat in their latest pre-season fixture.

Arteta also provided updates on defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, although he was unable to give a firm return date for either player.

“ I cannot give an exact date,” he said of Timber. “Jurrien is progressing very, very well, and he is training on the pitch and doing a lot of things at the moment, but he still needs several weeks. I cannot specify how long.”

Saliba is currently facing a different recovery schedule after a worsening of his injury.

“As for William Saliba, he is currently having a two-week rest,” Arteta said. “He was not supposed to do a lot of things because his injury had worsened, so he will need some time to recover. We know that, and as soon as we have new information we will let you know.”

Arsenal have one further pre-season match against Como before they face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield next Sunday at Wembley.

The club will then begin its Premier League campaign against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21 August.