Arsenal’s midfield already contained some of the Premier League’s best players before Bruno Guimarães arrived. Adding the Brazilian for £75million has left Mikel Arteta with a group that could now be the strongest in the division.
Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze were already competing for places. Guimarães adds another proven Premier League midfielder who can operate in several roles.
The challenge for Arteta is no longer finding enough quality. It is deciding which combination gives Arsenal the right balance.
Arsenal confirmed Guimarães’ arrival from Newcastle on Saturday after completing a deal worth around £75million.
ReadArsenal covered the official announcement earlier today, with the Brazilian joining after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders at St James’ Park.
His versatility is particularly useful.
Guimarães can receive the ball from the defence, operate alongside another midfielder or move higher to support Arsenal’s attack. Arsenal’s own breakdown of their new signing also highlights his ability to progress possession and compete aggressively without the ball.
That gives Arteta several different ways to build his midfield.
Zubimendi can provide control at the base. Rice can drive forward from a No.8 position, while Ødegaard and Eze offer more creativity closer to the penalty area.
Merino gives Arsenal another physical option when greater presence is required.
There is now very little one-dimensional about the group.
Arteta can finally rotate without losing quality
Arsenal’s depth may be just as important as their strongest starting three.
Rice carried a huge workload last season and the demands placed on Arsenal’s key midfielders will only increase across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.
ReadArsenal has already examined how Guimarães could allow Arteta to manage Rice differently, rather than relying on the England international to perform several midfield jobs across the same campaign.
Guimarães makes that easier.
Arteta could field Zubimendi, Rice and Ødegaard when control is the priority, introduce Guimarães for greater aggression or use Eze when Arsenal need another player capable of breaking down a deep defence.
The Guardian’s analysis of the signing also highlighted Guimarães’ durability and tactical flexibility, two qualities that should make him particularly valuable across a long season. Their data suggests the Brazilian can contribute both defensively and in Arsenal’s established set-piece game.
Arsenal’s biggest midfield problem is choosing three
That depth creates an obvious question.
Who starts when everyone is available?
Rice and Ødegaard have been central to Arsenal’s success, while Zubimendi provides the control Arteta values at the base of midfield. Arsenal have not spent £75million on Guimarães simply to provide cover.
Eze also offers qualities that the others do not, particularly when Arsenal need another attacking player between the lines.
There may not be one permanent answer.
Arteta can change his midfield depending on the opponent, with Arsenal now possessing enough quality to alter their approach without significantly weakening the team.
That could ultimately be the biggest benefit of signing Guimarães.
Arsenal already had an elite midfield. They now have enough options to argue that it may be the best in the Premier League.
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