Arsenal are set to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle with Jamie Carragher of the belief that one recent signing will be heavily impacted
Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke were all signed by Arsenal last summer with one at risk after the Gunners' latest signing
Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke were all signed by Arsenal last summer with one at risk after the Gunners' latest signing (Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Jamie Carragher believes Martin Zubimendi has lost his place in the Arsenal starting XI to imminent new signing Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners signed the Spaniard last summer for £60million but have opted to add another midfielder in Guimaraes ahead of the new season.
Mikel Arteta relied heavily on Zubimendi until late April before it became clear he was struggling. He subsequently started just one match in May with Myles Lewis-Skelly coming into the team and Declan Rice playing a deeper role.
Guimaraes joining has seen more questions arise over his role in the squad with Carragher of the belief he is no longer in Arteta's strongest team.
The Liverpool icon said on the Football Ramble podcast: "Do you think it’s the end for Zubimendi there? In terms of being what he was supposed to be when he was brought in. He was supposed to come in and be this controller. I don’t see him ever getting that place back now."
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While Carragher is somewhat correct, Zubimendi will still be needed in the 2026/27 campaign with injury problems expected and if Arsenal want to compete in all four competitions. Guimaraes undoubtedly raises the level of the squad with Christian Norgaard heading for the exit door.
Carragher had earlier stated on the Brazilian: "I think it’s interesting because when I look at what Arsenal are trying to do this summer, I think it’s a case of 'we’re going to win the league again and we’re going to go for the Champions League'. It looks very much like they’re trying to dominate.
"Bruno almost feels like the No. 1 for Newcastle fans when you think of all the signings Eddie Howe brought in. It felt like he was the one that really pulled on the heartstrings of Newcastle fans.
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes is set to join Arsenal
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"I was almost more of a Tonali man than Bruno, I thought he had more pace about him and could get around the pitch.
"I would look at Bruno and not be quite sure, I thought he was a good player but I thought, can he run? He would get fouled a lot and slowed down the game a lot. He does get important goals though and he’s a good player. It will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta uses that midfield now.
"Will Bruno play more of a holding role, does Declan Rice still play that box-to-box role? I’m still not 100% convinced what role Rice is better in."
Guimaraes has a big role to play at the start of the season with Rice, Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino as late returners from the World Cup. Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are also not due back for another week with Arsenal working on a sensational deal for Vinicius Jr.
William Saliba was forced off with an injury during the World Cup and is expected to miss potentially the remainder of 2026 which has seen Arsenal links to signing a new defender emerge.