Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75 million, landing one of the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders after the Brazilian made his desire to leave St James’ Park clear earlier this summer. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the option of an additional twelve months.
Guimaraes described the move as one of the toughest decisions of his life.
“This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me,” he said.
“But I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family.”
He left Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to finalise the deal at Emirates Stadium after talks reached a breakthrough. He revealed that several Arsenal teammates had already been in touch, including fellow Brazilian Gabriel and midfielder Declan Rice. Rice’s message was characteristically direct. “Come here and please no more fights, now we are friends,” Guimaraes said, recalling the words with a smile.
His ambitions at Arsenal are equally direct. “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I am in the right place to do it,” he said.
Newcastle Chapter Closed
Guimaraes arrived at Newcastle in January 2022 when the club was deep in relegation trouble and went on to become one of the most important players in the club’s transformation under Eddie Howe.
He became the first Newcastle captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy when they defeated Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final. He also played a central role in the club’s Champions League qualifications in 2023 and 2025.
Newcastle slipped to 12th in the Premier League last season, and with a rebuilt squad now around him, Guimaraes clearly felt the moment had come to seek a bigger stage.
Newcastle wished him and his family well. For Arsenal, the signing addresses a long-standing need for a commanding presence in central midfield. Especially as they look to defend the Premier League title and push further in Europe. For Guimaraes, the move is about legacy, having proved his worth on Tyneside.
