It’s been the transfer saga of the summer. And now it’s finally reaching its climax.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has confirmed that Arsenal and Newcastle are “nearing a total agreement” for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder is reportedly awaiting permission to undergo a medical and complete his long-awaited move to north London.
After weeks of conflicting reports, rejected bids, and public denials from Newcastle, this one looks done. So what do we actually know?
The Deal: £80m Package on the Table
Arsenal haven’t rushed this summer. Quality over quantity has been the approach under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. But when it comes to Guimaraes, they’ve been relentless.
The Gunners had earlier bids of €70m and €80m knocked back. According to L’Equipe, they finally persuaded Newcastle by raising their offer to a base fee of €90m (around £77m) plus performance-related bonuses. The Times reports the total package sits at approximately £80m, broken down as £70m guaranteed with £10m in add-ons.
Guimaraes has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract running until 2031. That part’s been wrapped up for weeks.
Journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed on X that a “broad agreement” is now in place between all parties. He added that while Newcastle insisted formal talks only started recently, “verbal discussions have been ongoing for weeks.”
Fabrizio Romano went even further on Tuesday, calling the move “practically a done deal.” He added that Arteta has been “obsessed with getting him forever.”
Why Guimaraes? Why Now?
Arsenal’s midfield isn’t exactly short on talent. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi form one of the Premier League’s best partnerships. But Zubimendi looked worn out towards the end of last season. Depth was clearly needed.
Guimaraes ticks every box. Here’s what he brings:
- Elite ball-winning ability and progressive passing
- Versatility to play as a No. 6 or No. 8
- Proven Premier League leadership as Newcastle’s captain
- World Cup pedigree with Brazil at the 2026 tournament
At 28, he’s right in his prime. And he’s been desperate to make this move happen. Romano revealed that Guimaraes “made clear to Newcastle that his desire is to go,” while remaining respectful throughout the process.
What Happens Next at Newcastle?
This deal stings for Newcastle supporters. Guimaraes joins the growing list of star departures from St James’ Park, following Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali’s switch to Tottenham.
It’s been a turbulent period on Tyneside. Eddie Howe walked away after a disappointing 12th-place finish. New head coach Matthias Jaissle, appointed from Al Ahli for around £9.5m in compensation, inherits a squad that’s lost its captain and best midfielder.
Newcastle aren’t sitting idle, though. They’ve already spent close to £150m this summer across five signings and the Jaissle appointment. Reports link them with Victor Froholdt (£73m) and Tyler Adams as potential Guimaraes replacements.
Still, replacing a player of this calibre won’t be straightforward. Can Jaissle rebuild this midfield in time? That’s Newcastle’s biggest question heading into the new campaign.
The Bigger Picture for Arsenal
If this deal goes through, and every indication says it will, Guimaraes becomes another statement signing in Arteta’s midfield collection. Rice arrived for £105m in 2023. Zubimendi cost £60m. Merino came for £27.4m. Now Guimaraes at £80m.
That’s a frightening quartet.
Arsenal aren’t done either. Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have already arrived this summer. Romano hints at another winger being targeted, plus a potential centre-back given William Saliba‘s lingering back issues.
For now, though, all eyes are on Guimaraes. The medical could come at any moment. And once that’s ticked off, expect the official announcement to follow swiftly. This one’s been a long time coming.
