Bruno Guimarães was officially announced as Arsenal's new signing on Saturday, August 8, expressing strong excitement about joining the London club. The 28-year-old midfielder said he had been looking for a new challenge in his career after spending almost five seasons at Newcastle.
Guimarães said he had felt he needed a new challenge in his life and that becoming an Arsenal player would be an exciting one. He said that after playing in two World Cups, he had reached a point in his life where he needed a challenge like this, adding that he wants to win trophies, make history, and believes he is in the right place.
The signing of the Brazil international stirred the European transfer market. According to European media reports, Arsenal paid £75 million, roughly 514 million Brazilian reais, to secure the midfielder. Guimarães, who will wear the number 39 shirt, is described as Arsenal's main signing of the transfer window.
Expectations at Arsenal
Guimarães praised the quality of his new squad and the club's style of play, saying Arsenal's midfield is one of the best in Europe and that all the players are incredible. He added that he had always found it difficult to play against Arsenal, a team known for keeping possession and defending collectively.
Guimarães said that combination suits the way he likes to play, and that joining the league champions is always a great opportunity, referring to Arsenal's current Premier League title. His task will be to help defend that title and pursue the Champions League trophy, which the Gunners have not yet won.
Season schedule
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side is set to open its official season next Sunday, August 16, against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Arsenal's first Premier League fixture is scheduled for August 21, against Coventry City at home at the Emirates Stadium.
