GUIMARAES TARGETS TROPHIES, HISTORY AFTER £75M ARSENAL MOVE

Read Time:3 Minute, 9 Second

Agency Report

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has said he is determined to “make history” at Arsenal after completing a reported £75 million ($101.2 million) move from Premier League rivals Newcastle on Saturday.

The 28-year-old spent four-and-a-half seasons at Newcastle, where he established himself as a key player and eventually became captain.

Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait for the English top-flight title last season, did not disclose the exact duration of Guimaraes’ “long-term” contract, although British media reported that the deal is for four years with an option for an additional season.

“I feel good, I feel amazing. I’m glad for the opportunity,” Guimaraes told Arsenal’s media channels.

“We have tough games to play this season, so the squad is going to be very, very important and I’m hopeful we can achieve our dreams.”

The Brazilian international said he became excited about the move from his initial conversations with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta.

“Since the first time I spoke to Berta and Mikel, I was excited. I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life,” he said.

“After playing two World Cups, I’m at the point of my life where I think I need a challenge like this.

“I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.”

‘Strengthening the heart of our team’

Guimaraes becomes Arsenal’s most high-profile signing of the transfer window so far, joining new arrivals Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis.

Berta said the Brazilian’s arrival would strengthen Arsenal’s midfield and increase competition within the squad.

“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 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.”

Guimaraes had previously been linked with Arsenal in January 2022, before eventually leaving Lyon for Newcastle.

He went on to make 195 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 31 goals, and played a key role in helping the club end a 56-year wait for a major trophy with their 2025 League Cup triumph.

He also helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League on two occasions under former manager Eddie Howe.

Guimaraes is the third major player to leave Newcastle ahead of the new season, following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.

“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.”

Howe left his position as Newcastle manager last week and has since been replaced by German coach Matthias Jaissle.

Guimaraes, 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 opening their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry five days later.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will begin their campaign against Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 23.

(AFP)