Bruno Guimaraes speaks after completing dream Arsenal move
Arsenal have completed the £75million signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United on a four-year deal with a one-year extension option, with the Brazilian midfielder and sporting director Andrea Berta both speaking on the move.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United on a four-plus-one-year contract, in a deal worth £75million.
The Brazilian midfielder becomes the Gunners’ latest reinforcement of the summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their Premier League title defence.
Guimarães, who captained Newcastle, completed his medical before the move was finalised. The Brazil international had made his desire to leave St James’ Park clear earlier in the window, prompting an emotional farewell to teammates and staff during Newcastle’s pre-season training camp.
Speaking after the move was announced, Guimarães admitted the decision to leave Newcastle was not easy. “This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life,” he said.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised the 28-year-old’s profile, describing him as a player capable of adding steel and versatility to the midfield. “Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad,” Berta said.
Berta added that Guimarães’ arrival strengthens the core of Arteta’s side. “With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. As we have all seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player,” he said.
He further highlighted the Brazilian’s consistency in front of goal and expects the signing to lift internal standards at the Emirates.
“He combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year,” Berta said, pointing to competitiveness levels required for trophy pursuits.
Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson confirmed the fee satisfied the Magpies, insisting the negotiations reflected a fair outcome for both parties despite reluctance to sell their captain.
He noted the deal ranks among the highest fees ever paid for a player in Guimarães’ position at his age.
Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 for an initial fee in the region of €40million and went on to make close to 200 appearances for the club.
He now becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis.
