Arsenal have completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United in a £75 million deal, with the Brazil international describing his move to the Premier League champions as an “exciting challenge”.
The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal holding an option to extend the agreement by a further year.
Guimaraes will wear the No. 39 shirt after becoming one of the major additions to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer.
‘I’m your warrior’ now says Guimaraes
The midfielder admitted he was immediately convinced by Arsenal’s approach after speaking with sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta.
“I feel amazing. I’m glad for the opportunity,” Guimaraes said, quoted on Sky Sports.
“Since the first time I spoke to Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta, I was excited.
“I just felt inside of me that I need a new challenge in my life and I think to be an Arsenal player is going to be an exciting challenge in my life.
“I’m so excited to join you. I will give you my best, I promise. I’m your warrior, I’ll never give up.
“Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together.”
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Berta: Guimaraes brings ‘great mentality and quality’
Berta believes Guimaraes will add both quality and leadership to Arsenal’s midfield, while giving Arteta greater tactical flexibility.
“Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad,” Berta said.
“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.”
Berta also highlighted the Brazilian’s consistent attacking contribution and believes his arrival will increase competition within the squad.
A meaningful parting of ways
Guimaraes leaves Newcastle after three-and-a-half years on Tyneside, having become a hugely popular figure among supporters and an important part of the club’s resurgence.
The midfielder admitted leaving was one of the hardest decisions of his career.
“This is one of the toughest decisions of my life,” he said.
“When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
“I fell in love with this place. I really mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my team-mates, Eddie Howe and the staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.”
Guimaraes now begins a new chapter with Arsenal, with the Brazilian determined to repay the faith shown in him as the Gunners look to defend their Premier League title and challenge for the Champions League yet again.
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