Top News

Bruno Guimaraes had wanted to join Arsenal since January, FourFourTwo can reveal.

Bruno Guimaraes is edging closer to a £75 million transfer to Arsenal, bringing to a close a saga that has run throughout the summer window.

But the Brazilian midfielder’s departure from Tyneside had been set in motion well before the two clubs entered formal talks.

FourFourTwo understand Guimaraes told Newcastle as far back as January that he wanted to leave the club in the summer.

Although outside speculation suggested Arsenal’s interest only began to gather real pace later in the summer, Guimaraes’ route out had actually started at the beginning of the year.

Despite making his intentions known to the Newcastle hierarchy in January, the 28-year-old stayed fully committed on the pitch, captaining the side and playing with his usual intensity through the rest of the 2025/26 campaign.

Newcastle officials were initially hopeful they could persuade their captain to sign a new contract. However, with the club unable to offer European football next season, Guimaraes saw leaving as his preferred option.

It is widely reported that the Brazilian views a move to the Gunners as his final chance to compete consistently for major domestic and European honours.

When incoming manager Matthias Jaissle met Guimaraes during Newcastle’s pre-season camp in La Manga, the midfielder again respectfully stated his wish to leave. The discussion is understood to have been cordial, and Newcastle then accepted Arsenal’s £75m package.

Since the turn of the year, it had become increasingly clear within Newcastle circles that some of the standout figures in Eddie Howe’s squad were considering their futures away from St. James’ Park.

The side were struggling in the league and appeared unlikely to secure European football, which led to conversations between players and their agents. Guimaraes was among several who privately made it known that they wanted permission to move.

For Arsenal, the signing of Guimaraes gives Mikel Arteta a proven midfielder capable of bringing steel and swagger to the centre of the pitch.

His ability to resist the press, carry the ball forward, compete tenaciously and read the game tactically should ease some of the burden that Declan Rice has carried in recent seasons.

Once his medical tests are completed, Guimaraes will finalise his long-awaited move to the capital.