Guimarães Leaves Newcastle for Arsenal Seeking a New Challenge

Everything was virtually confirmed; all that remained was the official announcement. Now, that has happened as well. Bruno Guimarães has left Newcastle United to join Arsenal.

The English champions announced in a statement on Saturday that they have signed the Brazilian midfielder on a long-term contract.

The club did not disclose the financial details. However, according to British media reports, the transfer fee is set at £75 million for a four-year deal, with an option to extend for another year.

Newcastle's Sporting Director Ross Wilson had previously stated that they had no intention of selling Guimarães.

Excited after joining Arsenal, the 28-year-old star shared the reasoning behind his transfer:

“I feel great. I am delighted to have this opportunity. Ever since I first spoke with Andrea Berta (Arsenal's Sporting Director) and Mikel Arteta (Manager), I was thrilled. I felt deep down that I needed a new challenge in my life. I believe becoming an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge for me.”

Guimarães joined a relegation-threatened Newcastle side from Lyon in January 2022. Under former manager Eddie Howe, he played a crucial role in turning the team's fortunes around.

Under Guimarães' leadership, Newcastle won the League Cup last year by defeating Liverpool in the final—marking the club's first trophy in 56 years and their first domestic trophy in 70 years.

Having captained Newcastle for the past two seasons, Guimarães made 195 appearances for the team across all competitions, scoring 31 goals.