More than four years later, the situation looks very different. Guimarães has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete central midfielders and brings exactly the qualities Arteta needs in his engine room: press resistance, strength in duels, vertical passing and tactical flexibility. The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal FC, with an option for a further season.
Arsenal turned him down in 2022
According to The Athletic, Arsenal FC were already seriously interested in Guimarães in January 2022, when he was still playing for Olympique Lyon. Edu, who was Arsenal’s technical director at the time, and board member Tim Lewis had worked on a potential deal, but Arteta was not entirely convinced that the Brazilian was the right fit for the squad rebuild he had in mind.
Newcastle United ultimately made their move, and Guimarães went on to become one of the club’s most important players. He became captain and a fan favourite, making 195 competitive appearances and contributing 31 goals and 32 assists. In 2025, he captained Newcastle to League Cup glory.
His final Premier League season at Newcastle was also his best in a Magpies shirt. With nine goals and five assists, Guimarães once again showed that his qualities extend far beyond those of a conventional defensive midfielder.
A lengthy battle over the fee
Negotiations were correspondingly difficult. Newcastle initially had no intention of selling their captain and are said to have demanded at least £100 million at the start of talks. Arsenal FC’s first offer in June, however, was reportedly worth just £45 million.
Guimarães himself was determined to complete the move to London. In the end, the two clubs agreed on a reported £75 million fee without performance-related add-ons.
For Arsenal FC, such a substantial investment in a player who turns 29 in November is somewhat unusual. This time, however, the emphasis is not on future potential. Arsenal are buying a player who knows the Premier League inside out and is expected to improve the team immediately.
Press-resistant and aggressive without the ball
Guimarães can operate both as a number six and as a number eight. His composure and technical quality under pressure make him particularly attractive for Arteta’s style of football. The Brazilian is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces, can escape pressure and regularly looks to play forward rather than simply recycling possession with safe sideways passes.
He also combines physicality with outstanding strength in duels. According to Opta Analyst, Guimarães won an average of 6.1 duels per 90 minutes last season – more than any of Arsenal’s central midfielders. His 1.6 successful tackles per 90 minutes also exceeded the figures of Arsenal’s existing midfield options, while only Declan Rice recorded more ball recoveries.
Another quality could prove especially valuable for Arsenal: Guimarães draws a remarkable number of fouls. Since making his Premier League debut in February 2022, he has been fouled 410 times – more than any other player in the competition over that period. For a team that has been one of England’s most dangerous from set pieces for several years, winning additional free-kicks in threatening areas could be a significant advantage.
Several options alongside Rice and Zubimendi
Guimarães’ most obvious role initially appears to be as a number eight. In his final season at Newcastle, he pushed further forward more often and frequently operated in the inside-right channel. His nine league goals and five assists were also a consequence of that more advanced positioning.
Arteta could, for example, use Martín Zubimendi as the deepest midfielder with Rice and Guimarães playing ahead of him. Arsenal would then have a midfield with immense running power and strength in duels, while still possessing enough technical quality to play through aggressive pressing.
Other combinations are also possible depending on the opposition. Guimarães can drop into the number-six role himself, allowing Rice to operate further forward. Arteta will also have more opportunities to manage the workload of his central midfielders.
It also helps that the Brazilian has rarely been sidelined through injury in recent years. Since making his Newcastle debut, he has missed only 16 Premier League matches.
For the reported £75 million, Arsenal FC are getting a midfielder capable of performing several roles at the highest level. Guimarães brings extensive Premier League experience and improves the team both in and out of possession. More than four years after Arteta had doubts about signing him, the Brazilian now looks almost tailor-made for the midfield the Arsenal manager has built.
