Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a deal reportedly worth £75m, strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new season.
The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the option of a further season, bringing an end to his time at Newcastle United, where he had played since joining in 2022. Arsenal confirmed the transfer in an official statement on Saturday.
The London club did not disclose the fee, but several British media outlets, including Sky Sports, reported that the total value of the deal was £75m.
Newcastle United said in a statement that the fee ranks among the 10 highest transfer fees ever received by a club for a player aged 28 or older. The move is also a record when the player’s age and position are considered together.
Guimaraes said he was ready for the next stage of his career after speaking to Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta.
“I feel great and I am very happy with this opportunity. From the first time I spoke to Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, I felt excited. I had an inner feeling that I needed a new challenge in my life, and I believe playing for Arsenal will be an exciting challenge,” he said.
“I am very excited to join you. I will give everything I have, I promise you that. I am your warrior and I will never give up. I hope we can create many great memories together.”
Berta described Guimaraes as a player who would bring both quality and leadership to Arsenal’s midfield.
“We are very happy to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club. He is a player with a strong mentality and great quality, and he will add an important level of leadership to our squad,” Berta said.
“With Bruno joining, we continue to strengthen the heart of our team. As we have all seen, he can play as a defensive midfielder or as a box-to-box midfielder. He combines quality with hard work, while also providing goals and assists for his team every season.”
He added: “Bruno will allow Mikel to continue developing our style of play, while also raising competition within the squad. That is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win the biggest trophies.”
Newcastle had been keen to retain Guimaraes, who still had two years remaining on his contract, plus an option for a third season. However, the player’s wish for a fresh challenge ultimately determined the outcome.
Guimaraes told Newcastle officials earlier in the summer that he wanted to move to Arsenal, provided a suitable offer arrived. Newcastle initially rejected the first proposal made by the Gunners before the two clubs later agreed a £75m deal.
With the transfer completed, the value of players sold by Newcastle United during the summer window has now surpassed £240m.
The departures have also included Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona for £69.3m, and Sandro Tonali, who moved to Tottenham in a deal worth £100m. The period of major change at the club has also seen manager Eddie Howe leave.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle from French club Lyon in 2022 for £40m. He made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals and helping them win the EFL Cup.
Despite his departure, the midfielder said leaving Newcastle had been one of the most difficult decisions of his life because of his strong connection with the club and its supporters.
“This was one of the hardest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was going through a difficult period, and I am extremely proud of what we achieved together,” he said.
“I fell in love with this place, and I truly mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my team-mates, Eddie Howe, the coaching staff and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.”
Guimaraes thanked the Public Investment Fund, club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Jamie Reuben and the club’s officials, saying they had done everything possible to keep him at Newcastle.
“This transfer is extremely difficult because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for me and my family,” he said.
“I had a very positive conversation with Matthias Jaissle, and I leave knowing that the club is in safe hands.”
He ended his message to Newcastle supporters by saying: “Thank you will never be enough, but I say it from the bottom of my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club’s journey. Thank you for everything.”
