Bruno Guimaraes has completed a £75million transfer from Newcastle to Premier League champions Arsenal, signing a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.
The 28-year-old midfielder will partner Declan Rice, who sent a text message asking to end their on-field rivalry after the deal was completed. Rice sent a message saying, "Come here and please no more fights, now we're friends," according to Guimaraes.
The pair previously clashed during several physical battles between Arsenal and Newcastle. In November 2023, referee Stuart Attwell pulled them apart during a Premier League match after Guimaraes smashed the ball at Kai Havertz.
Guimaraes joins a decorated Arsenal midfield lineup that features Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard.
Declan Rice text message and Arsenal squad
"I was happy he messaged me, but the midfield we have here, in my point of view, is one of the best in Europe," Guimaraes said. "Everyone is an amazing player, I'm so excited to start chatting and play, and know the players very, very well, but we have an amazing midfield."
Guimaraes is also set to link up with Brazilian teammates Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, although Jesus could still leave this summer. "Big Gabi was very excited," Guimaraes added. "Every time he sent me the message, 'We’ll wait for you, when will you come?' I’m so excited to join them, not only the Brazilians."
Guimaraes is Arsenal's fourth arrival of the transfer window, following the permanent signing of loan player Piero Hincapie and the arrivals of Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier. The signings take Arsenal's summer spending to around £145m as they look to build on last season's Premier League title and run to the Champions League final.
Newcastle departure and career achievements
Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Guimaraes joined Newcastle from Lyon in 2022 and was handed the captain's armband two years later. In 2025, he led Newcastle to Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool, securing the club's first major trophy in 70 years.
His move creates further complications for Newcastle, who had already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this transfer window before manager Eddie Howe stepped down on July 31.
Guimaraes described leaving Newcastle as "one of the toughest decisions of my life" but admitted he needed a new challenge. "After playing two World Cups, I’m at the point of my life, 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," he said.
Sporting director praise for new signing
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed the signing, praising Guimaraes's leadership and mentality. "We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club," Berta said. "Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad."
Berta noted that Guimaraes can play as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box player, providing goals and assists. "With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. 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," Berta said.
"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," Berta added.
