Trending 
Premier League champions Arsenal have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for a reported £75 million ($101.2 million), with both clubs confirming the transfer on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has signed a long-term contract with Arsenal after four-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle, where he also served as captain.
Guimaraes becomes Arsenal’s biggest signing of the transfer window so far, joining new arrivals Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said the Brazilian would strengthen the centre of the team and give manager Mikel Arteta greater flexibility in midfield.
Berta said Guimaraes could operate both as a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box player, while his ability to contribute goals and assists would add further quality to Arsenal’s squad.
He added that the signing would also increase competition within the team as Arsenal seek to maintain the standards required to challenge for major trophies.
“With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team,” Berta said.
“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.
“Bruno will allow Mikel (Arteta) 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 added.
Newcastle did not disclose the transfer fee but said it ranked among the 10 highest fees ever received by a club for a player aged 28 or older.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 after previously being linked with Arsenal. He made 195 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 31 goals.
During his time at the club, he helped Newcastle end a 54-year wait for a major trophy when they won the League Cup in 2023.
Guimaraes described his departure as one of the most difficult decisions of his career, saying he was proud of what Newcastle achieved during his time at the club and had developed a strong emotional connection with the city and supporters.
“This is one of the toughest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together,” Guimaraes said in Newcastle’s statement.
“I fell in love with this place. I really mean that.”
The midfielder, who represented Brazil at the recent World Cup, will compete for a place in Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Arsenal will begin their season against Manchester City in the Community Shield next Sunday before starting their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry five days later.
Newcastle will open their campaign against Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 23.
