Arsenal sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in £75m midfield coup

Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United on a long-term contract, adding one of the Premier League's most established midfielders to their squad ahead of the new season. The 28-year-old has reportedly joined Arsenal for £75 million and signed a four-year contract, with the option of extending the deal by another year. Arsenal officially announced the transfer on Saturday. Guimaraes had two years remaining on his Newcastle contract but informed the club that he wanted to leave. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said the Magpies had not planned to sell their captain but ultimately agreed to the move after the Brazilian expressed his desire for a new challenge.

A new chapter

Guimaraes joined Newcastle from French club Lyon in January 2022 and went on to establish himself as one of the club's most influential players. The Brazilian made 195 appearances for Newcastle and scored 31 goals during his four-and-a-half-year stay at St James' Park. His most significant moment came in 2025 when, as captain, he helped Newcastle win the League Cup, ending the club's decades-long wait for a major domestic trophy. His performances in midfield made him a firm favourite among Newcastle supporters and attracted interest from several leading clubs. Arsenal had tracked Guimaraes for years before finally securing his signature this summer.

Speaking after completing the move, Guimaraes said his decision to leave Newcastle had been difficult but that he felt the time had come to take on a new challenge. He also expressed his ambition to compete for major honours with Arsenal. The Brazilian international will add experience, physicality and versatility to Arsenal's midfield. His ability to operate in different central midfield roles gives manager Mikel Arteta another option alongside players such as Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta highlighted Guimaraes' versatility and Premier League experience as important qualities that could strengthen the squad.

Newcastle was reluctant to sell

Newcastle maintained that selling Guimaraes had not been part of their plans for the summer transfer window. Wilson said the club and its ownership wanted the midfielder to remain at St James' Park, but his request to leave forced them to reconsider their position. Guimaraes' departure represents another significant change at Newcastle following a summer in which the club has seen several major players leave. For Arsenal, the £75 million deal represents another major investment as they look to strengthen their squad and compete for domestic and European honours in the 2026-27 campaign. Guimaraes becomes another high-profile addition to an already formidable Arsenal midfield and will now begin preparations with his new teammates ahead of the start of the Premier League season.