According to the “Guardian”, the 28-year-old Brazil international has signed a four-year contract, with Arsenal holding an option for a further season. The transfer fee is around £75 million, equivalent to approximately €86 million.
Newcastle are therefore losing one of their most important players of recent years. Since moving to England, Guimarães has made 195 competitive appearances for the “Magpies”, scoring 31 goals and developing not only into a key player on the pitch but also into the club captain and a firm fan favourite.
From Brazilian talent to Premier League star
Guimarães began his professional career at Audax before making his breakthrough with Athletico Paranaense. His strong performances in central midfield quickly attracted attention from Europe. In January 2020, the Brazilian moved to Olympique Lyon, where he established himself at international level over the following two years.
Newcastle eventually signed him in January 2022. The transfer became one of the key building blocks in the club’s sporting rise. Guimarães helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League twice and captained the team to League Cup glory in 2025. It was the club’s first major trophy since 1955.
The Brazil international impressed with a combination of aggression, press resistance and technical quality. Since making his Premier League debut in February 2022, Guimarães has won 1,030 duels – more than any other player in the league over that period. He has also won 410 fouls, another Premier League high. Across 153 league appearances, he has covered more than 1,640 kilometres.
Arsenal wanted Guimarães much earlier
The move to London has a long backstory. Arsenal were already interested in Guimarães in 2020, when he was still playing for Athletico Paranaense. Around a year and a half later, the club again explored a deal before Newcastle eventually signed the midfielder from Lyon. This time, Arsenal succeeded at the third attempt.
Newcastle had not originally planned to sell their captain. Sporting director Ross Wilson confirmed, however, that Guimarães had informed the club of his desire to leave. Once negotiations reached an acceptable financial level, Newcastle decided not to stand in the Brazilian’s way.
Guimarães himself described the departure as one of the most difficult decisions of his life. At the same time, he explained that he was looking for a new challenge and wanted to win more trophies with Arsenal.
Even more quality in Arsenal’s midfield
From a sporting perspective, Guimarães further strengthens an already extremely strong Arsenal midfield. With Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, the club already has several top-class options. The Brazilian can operate both as a holding midfielder and in a more advanced box-to-box role.
Sporting director Andrea Berta highlighted exactly this versatility after the transfer was completed. Guimarães is expected not only to improve Arsenal technically, but also to bring the intensity and mentality that made him one of the most prominent midfielders in the Premier League during his time at Newcastle.
At around £75 million, the Brazilian is also one of the biggest transfers of the summer. Arsenal are investing in a player who already knows the Premier League inside out and should not require a lengthy adaptation period. Guimarães will wear the number 39 shirt at his new club, the same number he wore at Newcastle.
