Bruno Guimaraes joins Arsenal from Newcastle United
London, August 8
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a reported fixed fee of Euro 75 million, according to ESPN.
Guimaraes has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with an option to extend his stay for another season, according to sources cited by ESPN.
Speaking after completing the move, Guimaraes said he was excited by the opportunity and described joining Arsenal as a new challenge in his career.
"I feel good, I feel amazing. I'm glad for the opportunity. 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," Guimaraes said.
The midfielder also thanked Arsenal supporters for their messages and promised to give his best for the club.
"The message for me is thank you for everything you have done. All the messages you gave me, I'm so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. Like I said, I'm your warrior, I'll never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together," he added, as quoted by ESPN.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said, "We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club. Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad."
"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 combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year," Andrea said.
"Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies," he concluded.
The 28-year-old emerged as a key summer target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's Premier League title defence.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a neutral Indian football fan, I have to say this is a brilliant piece of business by Arsenal. Guimaraes was the heartbeat of Newcastle — his passing range and ability to control the tempo is world-class. But I can't help feeling for Newcastle fans. Losing your captain and best player mid-rebuild is tough. Football is brutal these days, money talks.
The way he said "I'm your warrior, I'll never give up" in his first interview — goosebumps! 😍 This is the kind of passion Arsenal need. I just hope Arteta doesn't try to change his game too much. Bruno is at his best when he's allowed to roam forward and break lines, not just sit deep and protect. Excited to see how he partners with Rice!
I've been watching Guimaraes since his Lyon days and always thought he was destined for a top club. The guy runs like a marathon runner and tackles like a pitbull. But let's be honest — 75 million fixed fee for a 28-year-old is a gamble. Arsenal better win the Champions League with this squad, otherwise questions will be asked about the money spent. Still, a very exciting signing for the Premier League.
As someone who follows both European and English football closely, this is a statement signing. Berta's comments about "internal competitiveness" are telling — Arteta is building a squad with no weak links. Guimaraes adds that South American grit that Arsenal have sometimes lacked in big away games. Can't wait to see him in the North London derby!
K Kavya N