Arsenal secure Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in £75m deal

Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a fee of £75m. The 28-year-old former Newcastle captain has agreed to a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, marking a significant shift in the midfield landscape of the top flight. Guimaraes described the transfer as one of the toughest decisions of his life but stated he was ready for a new challenge and to win trophies at the Emirates Stadium.

The move concludes a period of intense speculation, with Guimaraes leaving Newcastle’s training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to finalise the agreement following a breakthrough in talks. The midfielder revealed he had received messages from future teammates, including Gabriel and Declan Rice, with Rice jokingly urging him to stop fighting them on the pitch now that they are friends. Guimaraes admitted the decision was emotionally difficult, noting that Newcastle means so much to him, but he felt ready for a new challenge for himself and his family.

Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 when the club was in relegation trouble and played a crucial role in their subsequent improvement under former head coach Eddie Howe. He was the first captain in seven decades to lift a major domestic trophy for Newcastle, defeating Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final. He was also part of the side that qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, before Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season.

The departure occurs during a transitional period for Newcastle United, which has seen the exit of manager Eddie Howe following a pre-season defeat to Bristol City. The club has also confirmed the departures of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Newcastle United have confirmed they wish Guimaraes and his family well, acknowledging the significant structural changes the club is undergoing.

Newcastle had previously denied any intent to sell Guimaraes amid transfer speculation, with club official Wilson describing the potential departure as a setback for a club undergoing significant structural changes. Wilson acknowledged that Guimaraes had communicated a clear desire to leave, describing the midfielder’s conduct as very emotionally driven. To bolster the squad, Newcastle have signed five players this summer, including Lukas Hornice, as they look to stabilise after losing Guimaraes, who spent four-and-a-half years at the club.