Guimaraes completes £75m Arsenal switch from Newcastle for 'new challenge'
Guimaraes completes £75m Arsenal switch from Newcastle for 'new challenge'
Bruno Guimaraes has swapped Tyneside for north London, leaving Newcastle United after five years to join Premier League champions Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth up to £75m.
The Brazilian midfielder secured his move to the Gunners in August after a lengthy transfer saga that brought an end to a memorable five-year spell on Tyneside. Across all competitions, Guimaraes made 195 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 31 goals and providing 31 assists.
His defining moment came as captain, when he led Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the 2025 EFL Cup final — a feat he describes with immense pride.
'I felt inside that I needed a new challenge'
Guimaraes was one of several high-profile figures to depart St. James' Park this summer, with the likes of Sandro Tonali and manager Eddie Howe also leaving. Speaking while on international duty with Brazil, the 27-year-old explained that the time was right for a fresh start.
“Newcastle is a club where I have a very beautiful history,” Guimaraes said, as quoted by TNT Sports. “I was the first captain to win a title there after 70 years, along with my teammates, so we made our mark on the club's history.
“I had already been at the club for almost five years. I felt inside that I needed a new challenge; I was ready for it, and I am very grateful to the club for everything it has given me.
“Now, starting my journey at Arsenal, starting well, starting on the right foot. A new responsibility which I really wanted to take on.
“I have to focus, because leaving a routine that I was already used to at the club and starting another one requires a little time, a little adaptation, but I think I'm doing well.
“I am very happy and excited about the new challenges.”
Settling in at the Emirates
Guimaraes has already made six appearances for Arsenal in all competitions since his move, netting one goal so far. That strike — a Premier League Goal of the Month contender for September — came against Newcastle's rivals Sunderland.
The midfielder's long-range threat is well documented. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, only Eberechi Eze (10), Bruno Fernandes, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden (all nine) have scored more Premier League goals from outside the penalty area than Guimaraes, whose tally stands at eight.