Guimaraes seals Arsenal move after transfer saga
After months of interest, Mikel Arteta has finally got his man as Arsenal announced the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a deal reportedly worth up to £75 million ($143.1 million).`
Guimaraes had been a long-term target for the Premier League champion, and the Brazilian has finally put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option of a further year.
The 28-year-old becomes Arsenal's third signing of the current transfer window, following Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis ahead of the 2026-2027 campaign.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022, and became an instant hit on Tyneside. He made 195 appearances for the Magpies across all competitions, scoring 31 goals as well as providing 31 assists.
He also captained Newcastle to its first domestic trophy in 70 years in the Carabao Cup final in 2025, as Eddie Howe's team beat Liverpool 2-1.
Newcastle wanted to keep Guimaraes, but he was desperate to secure a move to the Gunners.
"I feel amazing. I'm glad for the opportunity. Since the first time I spoke to [Andrea] Berta and Mikel [Arteta], I was excited," Guimaraes said.
"I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life.
"I'm so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. I'm your warrior, I'll never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together."
After his move was announced, Guimaraes also took the time to thank the Newcastle fans.
"When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position, and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together," he said. "I fell in love with this place.
"I really mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my team-mates, Eddie [Howe] and the staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.
"I also want to say thank you to David [Hopkinson, CEO] and Ross [Wilson, sporting director] for the huge respect to me throughout this process.
"They did everything they could to keep me at Newcastle, and I am very grateful for our time together.
"This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family.
"I had a very positive conversation with Matthias Jaissle, and I leave knowing the club is in very good hands.
"To the supporters, thank you will never be enough, but I say it with all my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club's journey. Thank you for everything."
Guimaraes will further improve the Gunners' midfield after its first Premier League title triumph in 22 years last season. He has won more duels (1,030) and fouls (410) than any other player in the top-flight since making his debut in the competition in February 2022.
Arsenal is still in the hunt to strengthen the left-hand side of its attack, having missed out on Vinicius Junior after he signed a new six-year contract with Real Madrid.
Guimaraes is, however, yet another big name to leave Newcastle this window, with Anthony Gordon joining Barcelona and Sandro Tonali departing for Tottenham Hotspur.
Guimaraes could make his competitive debut for the Gunners in the FA Community Shield against Manchester City on 17 August (AEST), with Arsenal getting its Premier League title defence up and running five days later at home to newly-promoted Coventry City.
