The Brazilian’s departure from Newcastle United is reportedly in its final stages and following the shock resignation of Eddie Howe, the 28-year-old is edging closer to a move to thePremier League champions.
His arrival is precisely what the Gunners need: a ready-made needle-mover who can make an impact from the off and build on their first league triumph in 22 years.
While their audacious pursuit of Vinicius Junior is dominating the headlines at present, the signing ofGuimaraeswould provideArsenalwith experience at the top level and the ideal partner forDeclan Rice.
How could Arsenal’s midfield shape up this season?
Aiming to build on a historic campaign and using the Champions League final defeat as fuel to the fire (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence as a progressive midfielder towards the back of the end of the campaign, which saw him get the nod for the UEFA Champions League final, provides further quality.
Martin Zubemendi will be fit and firing once more following a blistering start to last season with the likes ofMikel Merino and Eberechi Eze also able to slot into the midfield pivot.
Due to Declan Rice’s unsustainable number of minutes for club and country last term, the England international is expected to miss the start of the season, further vindicating the importance of the Guimaraes deal.
But what are three midfield pairings Mikel Artetacould deploy this term?
Option 1: Zubemendi back to his best for August
The Spaniard’s drop-off in form towards the tail end of the season was noticeable, with his starring role gradually diminishing in his maiden campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
A summer of recuperation, aided by making just one substitute cameo in the World Cup, means we could well see Zubemendi back to his best come the curtain-raiser against Coventry City.
Playing the most minutes of his club career with over 3,300, the 27-year-old was the perfect partner to Rice with Zubemendi’s ability to dictate play complementing his desire to drive forward with the ball and play decisive balls into the final third.
The former Real Sociedad midfielder was a bright spark in Arsenal's early season success (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
The former Real Sociedad midfielder was a bright spark in Arsenal's early season success (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
A once-feared problem of missing the England international would be subsided with Guimaraes touching down in north London to line-up alongside Zubemendi, perhaps for the opening exchanges of the season.
While the former Lyon man doesn’t possess Rice’s incredible progressive carrying ability, he brings tenacity and steel to midfield with his aggression off the ball adding a crucial component in Arsenal's engine.
It’s easy to forget Guimaraes racked up some impressive numbers in front of goal in a strugglingMagpiesside, notching nine goals and four assists, which is something Arsenal have lacked in years gone by: a deep-lying midfielder who heavily contributes offensively.
Option 2: Hale End graduate starring
A lack of game time in Lewis-Skelly’s conventional left-back position, thanks to the immovable presence of Jurrien Timber, led to murmurs that he could seek pastures new last January transfer window.
However, the Hale End academy graduate earned his stripes in the run-in and it was, coincidentally the turning point of Arsenal’s season, as he deputised in midfield in a dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham at the start of May following a turbulent run of form.
Nullifying PSG's key forward threats in Budapest (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
Nullifying PSG's key forward threats in Budapest (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
His fearless nature and ability to receive the ball in tight areas allows him to distribute effectively, underlined by having the fifth-best passing accuracy in the Premier League last term with 93.6%.
At the age of just 19, Lewis-Skelly has already displayed remarkable maturity as he thrives in navigating through challenges and driving the ball forward, ranking with the highest average progressive carry distance of 12.9 metres.
Trusted to start in the Champions League final ahead of Zubimendi, the six-time England international is set to be a vital asset in the middle of the park with his versatility in defence adding another string to his bow as Arsenal compete on all four fronts.
Whether he partners Rice upon his return which sees Lewis-Skelly play further up the pitch, or balances offensive and defensive duties alongside Guimaraes, the number 49 is set to be a regular feature for years to come.
Option 3: The dream duo
Depth is now aplenty for Arsenal and notwithstanding the quality of Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly and even Merino in that position, the ideal partnership would see Rice partner Guimaraes without doubt.
The ex-West Ham United captain is set to return following the September international break, having single-handedly played more minutes than Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United did as a team last season with his undroppable status hampering his fitness for England in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
His absence would be a blow but the aforementioned partnerships highlight his much-needed rest wouldn’t be as sorely felt as in previous campaigns.
How could Arsenal’s midfield shape up this season?
One of the first names on the Arsenal teamsheet but will miss the start of the campaign (Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
A prime example is Manchester City resting their key stars towards the start of the season so they are in peak condition for the crunch moments and Rice back in peak condition can drive Arsenal’s potential dystany-defining campaign.
Although Rice and Guimaraes don’t necessarily rank the highest in terms of possession won, the pair would complement each other to perfection particularly in the big games.
Guimaraes’ tenacity in the challenge, coupled with his ability to lead the press, makes him the ideal fit to partner Rice with his defence-splitting passes and carries into the final third his key attributes.
Rice thrives in a plethora of metrics, none more so than his remarkable carry distance which ranked at an astonishing 1,072 by the end of September.
It is without doubt these two would be the best, all-round midfield pairings in the division with Guimaraes’ imminent transfer indicative of Arsenal looking to capitalise on a historic 2025/26 campaign.