Arsenal have secured the signature of Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle in a £75m deal, with the 28-year-old midfielder committing to a four-year contract that includes an additional one-year option.

Guimaraes expressed his excitement at the move, saying: "I feel amazing. I'm glad for the opportunity. 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."

The Brazilian added a personal pledge to Arsenal's supporters: "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."

A strengthened Arsenal midfield

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta welcomed the arrival, describing Guimaraes as a player of exceptional mentality and quality who would provide leadership at the heart of the squad.

"Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies."

The signing adds further firepower to an already formidable Arsenal midfield that includes Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Martin Odegaard. Sky Sports' Oliver Yew described the move as "a statement signing" that makes Arsenal strong favourites for the Premier League title, noting Guimaraes could also allow Rice rotation in demanding fixtures.

A turbulent summer at Newcastle

Guimaraes' departure is the latest blow in a difficult few months on Tyneside. The transfer takes Newcastle's total player sales this summer beyond £240m, following Anthony Gordon's £69.3m move to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali's £100m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and the exit of head coach Eddie Howe.

Newcastle confirmed the agreed fee ranks among the top-10 highest transfer fees ever received for a player aged 28 or over — and a record for a player of his age and position combined.

Sky Sports News' Keith Downie reported that Newcastle were desperate to retain Guimaraes and would have refused any bid had he expressed a desire to stay. However, the midfielder informed the club early this summer that he wanted to join Arsenal, believing it to be his last major opportunity to compete for titles. Newcastle rejected Arsenal's opening offer before both parties settled on the £75m figure — far below the initial £100m valuation Newcastle had sought.

Newcastle insist the process was handled with respect by all parties and that no ill-feeling remains between the club and the player. Guimaraes even reported to Newcastle's training camp in Spain as requested before the deal was finalised.

Guimaraes bids farewell to Newcastle

Reflecting on four years at St James' Park, Guimaraes said: "This is one of the toughest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together."

He joined Newcastle from Lyon for £40m in 2022 and went on to make 195 appearances, scoring 31 goals and lifting the Carabao Cup before moving to Arsenal.

"To the supporters, thank you will never be enough, but I say it with all my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club's journey."