Premier League champions Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes. The two clubs confirmed the transfer on Saturday, with the reported fee reaching £75 million ($101.2 million).
The 28-year-old Brazil international has committed to a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium. He arrives as the Gunners’ most high-profile signing of the current transfer window, joining other new recruits Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. This move marks a significant addition for Arsenal, who are coming off a historic season that saw them end a 22-year wait for a top-flight English league title.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed the arrival, stating, “With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team.” Berta highlighted the midfielder’s versatility, noting his ability to operate as both a defensive and box-to-box player. He added that Guimaraes provides the quality and competitive depth necessary for the club to maintain its standards while pursuing major trophies.
While the exact transfer fee remained undisclosed by the clubs, Newcastle acknowledged it ranks among the top 10 highest fees ever received for a player aged 28 or older. Guimaraes, who previously drew interest from Arsenal in January 2022 before joining Newcastle from Lyon, departs St James’ Park having recorded 31 goals in 195 appearances. During his four-and-a-half-season tenure, he played a pivotal role under Eddie Howe in ending the club’s 54-year major trophy drought by winning the 2023 League Cup.
Reflecting on his departure, Guimaraes expressed the difficulty of the decision, noting, “When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together. I fell in love with this place.” His exit follows the recent departure of manager Eddie Howe, who was replaced by German coach Matthias Jaissle.
At Arsenal, Guimaraes will join a competitive midfield rotation that includes Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino. The Brazilian, who represented his country at the recent World Cup, is expected to integrate quickly into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal are set to begin their season with the Community Shield match against Manchester City next Sunday, followed by their Premier League title defense opener against Coventry five days later. Meanwhile, Newcastle will start their own campaign on August 23, hosting Liverpool at St James’ Park.
Guimaraes was also linked with Arsenal in January 2022, when he ended up leaving Lyon for Newcastle.
Now he finally does join up with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in north London, after scoring 31 goals in 195 appearances for the Magpies.
“This is one of the toughest decisions of my life.
