Arsenal Agree £75 Million Deal for Bruno Guimarães

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Arsenal have agreed a £75 million deal with Newcastle United for midfielder Bruno Guimarães, bringing one of the summer transfer window’s longest-running negotiations close to completion.

The 28-year-old Brazil international is expected to leave Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, and travel to London to undergo a medical before finalising the transfer.

The agreement follows Newcastle’s rejection of Arsenal’s opening offer, which was reportedly worth about £70 million.

Newcastle had initially valued their captain at approximately £80 million, while Arsenal were reluctant to meet that figure. The clubs eventually reached a compromise at £75 million.

Guimarães had already agreed personal terms with Arsenal and was understood to be keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s squad.

His desire to move to north London played an important role in advancing negotiations, despite Newcastle’s preference to retain one of their most influential players.

The midfielder joined Newcastle from French club Lyon in January 2022 and developed into one of the Premier League’s leading central midfielders.

He made 195 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions, scoring 31 goals, and played a major role in the club’s League Cup triumph in 2025.

Guimarães also helped Newcastle qualify for the UEFA Champions League and became a popular figure among supporters because of his creativity, aggression and ability to influence matches from several midfield positions.

His departure represents another significant loss for Newcastle following a summer of major changes at St James’ Park.

The club have also lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, while manager Eddie Howe stepped down from his position.

Newcastle’s incoming manager, Matthias Jaissle, reportedly held discussions with Guimarães at the club’s Spanish training camp.

However, the Brazilian informed the new coach that he wanted to leave, and both sides are believed to have handled the situation professionally.

Lyon are expected to benefit financially from the transfer because of a sell-on clause included when Guimarães moved to Newcastle.

The French club are reportedly entitled to 20% of the profit Newcastle make from the deal, which could provide a payment of approximately £7 million.

For Arsenal, the transfer adds another experienced and technically accomplished midfielder to a squad preparing to defend its Premier League title and compete for major honours in Europe.

Guimarães could operate alongside Declan Rice, offering Arteta greater control, creativity and tactical flexibility in central midfield.

His versatility allows him to play as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box option or in a more advanced creative role.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes Guimarães could thrive further forward for Arsenal while also providing cover for Rice when required.

The Brazilian is set to become Arsenal’s fourth major addition of the summer transfer window after the arrivals of defender Piero Hincapié, goalkeeper Illan Meslier and winger Christos Tzolis.

Arsenal are expected to remain active in the market after completing the deal.

The club are reportedly looking to strengthen their defence and attack before the transfer window closes, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and several high-profile forwards among the names linked with moves to north London.

The Guimarães transfer will become official once the midfielder completes his medical and signs the necessary contractual documents.

His arrival would represent a major statement of intent from Arsenal as Arteta seeks to strengthen a squad already competing at the top of English football.