**Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal has moved another step closer after Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson confirmed the midfielder expressed his desire to leave St James’ Park.**
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal worth around £75million for the Brazil international, who is set to become another major addition to Mikel Arteta’s title-winning squad.
Newcastle had maintained throughout the summer that they wanted to keep their captain, despite Arsenal’s sustained pursuit.
That position ultimately became harder to maintain once Guimaraes made his own intentions clear.
[Reuters reports that Wilson has now admitted Newcastle never planned to sell Guimaraes](https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/newcastle-did-not-want-sell-guimaraes-says-sporting-director-wilson-2026-08-08/).
However, the Newcastle sporting director confirmed the midfielder communicated his desire to move on, forcing the club to adapt its summer plans.
Guimaraes has been central to Newcastle since arriving from Lyon in January 2022. He made 195 appearances for the club, scored 31 goals and captained them to the League Cup in 2025.
Arsenal’s interest has been driven by Arteta’s desire to add another proven Premier League midfielder.
[ReadArsenal previously reported how Eddie Howe could not guarantee Guimaraes would remain at Newcastle despite holding positive talks with his captain](https://readarsenal.com/2026/07/25/really-good-talks-eddie-howe-drops-bruno-guimaraes-to-arsenal-update/).
The situation has since accelerated considerably.
Guimaraes reportedly completed his Arsenal medical this week and has signed his contract, leaving an official announcement as the remaining step.
His arrival would give Arteta another elite option alongside Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard.
For Newcastle, Wilson’s admission makes clear that selling their captain was not part of the plan.
For Arsenal, it underlines how strongly Guimaraes wanted the move.