Transfer news: Arsenal complete £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle Utd
Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a £75 million deal, with the Brazil international joining the Premier League champions on a four-year contract.
The 28-year-old has also given Arsenal the option to extend his stay for a further year, bringing one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas to a conclusion after Newcastle initially rejected the Gunners' opening approach.
Guimaraes had two years remaining on his contract at St James' Park but told Newcastle he wanted to leave, paving the way for his move to North London.
Newcastle accruing notable returns
The transfer is also another major sale for Newcastle, who have now generated more than £240m from player departures during the summer transfer window.
Guimaraes will wear the No. 39 shirt at Arsenal and arrives after becoming one of Newcastle's most influential players since joining from Lyon in 2022.
Speaking after completing the move, Guimaraes revealed his excitement at beginning a new challenge under Mikel Arteta.
Warrior spirit
"I feel amazing. I'm glad for the opportunity," Guimaraes said, quoted on Sky Sports.
"Since the first time I spoke to Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, I was excited.
“I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life."
He also promised Arsenal supporters that he would give everything to the club.
"I'm your warrior, I'll never give up,” he added. “Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together."
Strengthening the heart
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta believes Guimaraes will bring both quality and leadership to the squad.
"Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad," Berta said.
"With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team."
Emotional departure
For Guimaraes, however, leaving Newcastle was an emotional decision after becoming deeply attached to the club and its supporters.
"This is one of the toughest decisions of my life," he said of his big-money move away from Tyneside.
"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."
Guimaraes now turns his attention towards his Arsenal career, with the midfielder becoming another major piece of Arteta's squad as the Gunners target further success domestically and in Europe.
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