Arsenal signs Guimarães

London (AFP) – Arsenal has reached an agreement with Newcastle United over a deal worth £75 million ($101 million) to sign their Brazilian captain Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

The future of the Brazilian midfielder had been the subject of widespread speculation in recent weeks, following rumors that he wished to leave St James’ Park and move to the Emirates Stadium.

The 28-year-old joined Newcastle from French club Lyon in 2022, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists across all competitions for the Magpies last season.

After a break following his participation with the Brazil national team at the World Cup, Guimaraes joined his Newcastle teammates during the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain.

Eddie Howe, who left his position as Newcastle manager last week, admitted he was concerned about the possibility of losing Guimaraes.

Arsenal, the English Premier League champions, have not been as active as Tottenham, Manchester City, and Chelsea in the transfer market as the new season approaches.

Spanish manager Mikel Arteta has not publicly commented on the club’s interest in signing Guimaraes, but he affirmed that the team is “very active” and that “our ambition is high regarding what we want to achieve.”

Arteta said: “We need to increase competition within the squad and ensure we address the areas where we feel we are lacking in the starting lineup.”

Arsenal will begin their title defense with a match against Coventry at the Emirates Stadium on August 21.