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Arsenal’s success in the Premier League last season has made the club a hugely attractive proposition to players looking to take their professional careers to the next level.
The Gunners have now established themselves as one of Europe’s most feared teams, but are still in need of the added firepower to end their elusive wait for a European trophy.
Bruno Guimaraes’ £75m arrival from Newcastle United highlights the club’s ambitions of reaching the next level, with the Brazilian penning a four-year deal at the Emirates.
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The 28-year-old will undoubtedly be hoping to emulate the success of one former star who massively captured the hearts of the fanbase during his time in North London.
How Guimaraes can emulate Patrick Vieira's success at Arsenal
This summer marks 20 years since Arsenal completed the £3.5m deal to sign midfielder Patrick Vieira from Serie A side Juventus - a deal which remains one of the club’s best ever pieces of business.
The Frenchman spent nine incredible years in North London, racking up 406 appearances and winning nine major honours - helping Arsène Wenger make the Gunners the force they are today.
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He captained the club to the Premier League title on three occasions, but his impact throughout the invincible campaign of 2003/04 is what made him the club-legend he is today.
Vieira’s dominant and aggressive nature made him a monster hit with the supporters - often finding himself in hot water with opponents such as Roy Keane.
The pair’s battle was often at the heart of the rivalry between the Gunners and Manchester United, with neither player shy of overstepping the mark to assert their dominance.
There’s no denying that Mikel Arteta’s men have craved a player of his ilk in their hunt for success, but Guimaraes could provide such qualities upon his move this summer.
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However, that’s not to say the hierarchy aren’t still working on deals which could see similar players also arrive in North London before the window closes.
How Arsenal can sign their next version of Vieira
Despite the recent deal for Guimaraes, Andrea Berta and Arteta currently remain hard at work to identify other players who could improve the club’s senior ranks.
The Gunners have been credited with an interest in Real Madrid star Endrick, with the Brazilian seen as the perfect alternative after missing out on Vinícius Júnior’s signature.
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However, the defensive department could also be bolstered, with a surprise move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero seemingly a possibility.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on the controversial deal over on talkSPORT, stating: “[Cristian] Romero would be interested if Arsenal came calling.
“Arsenal have genuinely discussed this, so it’s not a story which has come out of nowhere. They’ve not really made an approach yet to the player or to Tottenham Hotspur.”
Despite Jacobs not mentioning a fee for the 28-year-old, other outlets have claimed that Roberto De Zerbi's men would accept a deal in the region of £42m for the defender, while Spurs insiders also suggest that "Arsenal have convinced him to join them" this summer.
General view as Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and teammates celebrate with the Premier League trophy
General view as Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and teammates celebrate with the Premier League trophy
The Argentine would undoubtedly ruffle a lot of feathers across North London should he make the move to the Emirates, but it could see the Gunners land their next version of iconic star, Vieira.
Whilst the pair operate in slightly different positions, the similarities are there for all to see, with Arsenal potentially landing a highly controversial yet impactful figure.
Like the Frenchman, he’s showcased his leadership qualities in recent seasons, having been handed the captain’s armband during the recent campaign across the capital.
Such leadership qualities are vital to a side’s chances of securing success - as seen with the invincible team - with the centre-back able to add a needed voice to the club’s youthful dressing room.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know Romero has gained a reputation for his aggressive and dominant nature, a tag which Vieira also had over his head in the Premier League.
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Cristian Romero - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Ground duels won
Aerials won
Tackles made
Defensive contributions
Ball recoveries made
In England’s top-flight last term, the Argentine won a remarkable tally of 7.5 ground duels per 90 - with such a figure the highest of any player in the division.
His front-footed approach has seen him intimidate a lot of attackers in England, which also saw him make 2.8 tackles per 90 and win 71% of his aerial battles.
Both of the aforementioned tallies showcase his phenomenal talent without the ball - something which the former Arsenal midfielder showcased in abundance.
The only drawback to Vieira and Romero is their ability to lose their heads in key moments, with both players often picking up red cards for crossing the line in the heat of the battles.
However, Arteta is a manager who can get the best out of players and fine-tune their style to fit his system - with a move for Romero undoubtedly being a no-brainer.
Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur looks on
The 28-year-old may have his flaws, but there’s little denying he has all of the tools needed to emulate the success of Vieira upon any move to the Emirates.
The fact he would be joining from the club’s bitter rivals would only add to the deal - handing the supporters another reason to brag over their North London rivals.
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