Bruno Guimaraes has completed his move to Arsenal as the Gunners prepare for Premier League title defence.

Arsenal have completed the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for a reported £75 million, adding one of the Premier League’s most accomplished midfielders to their title-defending squad.

Our warrior.

Welcome to The Arsenal, Bruno Guimaraes 🤩

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2026

The Brazil international becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer and arguably their most significant, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis.

For Mikel Arteta, the deal represents a major statement of intent as Arsenal look to build on their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Guimaraes had been Arsenal’s priority midfield target for much of the summer, with negotiations accelerating after the 28-year-old made it clear to Newcastle that he wanted a new challenge.

The Gunners’ initial £70m offer was rejected, but negotiations eventually produced an agreement worth £75m. Guimaraes has now completed his move to north London, giving Arteta a player capable of operating both as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box presence.

“Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad,” Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta said.

Another Premier League powerhouse puts pen to paper 📝 pic.twitter.com/2Xb2Nnj8Ty

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 8, 2026

Newcastle Didn’t Want To Sell Guimaraes

The transfer represents a significant change of direction for Newcastle, who had no intention of losing their captain when the summer began.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson insisted the club had not planned to sell Guimaraes but ultimately accepted the player’s desire for a new challenge.

“We didn’t want to sell Bruno. It wasn’t in the plan to sell Bruno. None of us – or ownership – wanted to sell Bruno,” Wilson said.

Guimaraes had become one of the central figures in Newcastle’s transformation since joining from Lyon for around £40m in January 2022. He made 195 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals, and captained them to their first major trophy in 56 years when they won the Carabao Cup in 2025.

In an emotional farewell, Guimaraes admitted that leaving was one of the hardest decisions of his career.

“This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life,” he said.

The Brazilian also praised the supporters and everyone at the club for making him and his family feel at home.

Newcastle Now Face Another Rebuild

Guimaraes’ departure leaves Newcastle with another major piece of their recent project gone.

The club have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, while Eddie Howe has also left his position as manager and been replaced by Matthias Jaissle.

Newcastle now have to find a way to replace their captain while ensuring the squad remains competitive ahead of a season that begins with a difficult home fixture against Liverpool.