Bruno Guimaraes has got to work after joining Arsenal from Newcastle United and there have already been some telling moments
Bruno Guimares on his first day at Arsenal
Bruno Guimares on his first day at Arsenal(Image: YouTube/Arsenal)
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Arsenal have stepped up their summer transfer business with the signing of Bruno Guimaraes and the Brazilian has quickly got to work. It took the Gunners £75m to land the former Newcastle star and he could prove crucial to their attempts at defending the Premier League title.
Guimaraes will ease some of the pressure on the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, who racked up more than 8,700 minutes between them last term, while also being an important player in his own right. He has shown in matches against the Gunners what he can offer both with the ball as a creator and without it as a leader.
On Monday, Arsenal shared a behind-the-scenes look at the 28-year-old's first day as an Arsenal player. We have picked out some of the more telling moments.
Gabriel message
Guimaraes and Arsenal defender Gabriel knew each other very well before the transfer. The pair are international team-mates, having both been part of Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad at the World Cup.
The midfielder shared a message from his compatriot during Monday's video. "Gabriel - my guy. He's saying to me that he's very excited for me to join the club," he said.
"We've been living a lot of moments in the national team together, and he can't wait to start to play every day with me now. And he knows the passion, the quality and the mentality I'm going to bring to the team, and I think everyone can't wait to get me there."
Telling tattoo
Bruno Guimaraes undergoing medical tests
The midfielder's tattoo was on display(Image: https://www.youtube.com/@arsenal)
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In the second minute of the video, you see Guimaraes go in for some medical tests. There, you can see his tattoo, which reads, "Your vibe attracts your tribe'.
The idea of a right mental fit for the squad can be just as important as what a player can do on the pitch. Mikel Arteta has not been afraid to offload players who, for all their talent, aren't seen to gel with the rest of the group.
Their new signing was all smiles as he prepared to get to work. There will be a hope - if not an expectation - that the vibe fits this tribe perfectly.
Arsenal admission
Even during their recent impressive seasons, Arsenal often found things tough against Newcastle. However, according to Guimaraes, the feeling was mutual.
"I always fight against them, so I have to make peace now," he said with a laugh. "Sorry, guys, I just hate to lose, but we're friends now."
Ready to play
Later in the clip, he is shown watching an introductory video welcoming him to North London and the Arsenal family. It clearly has the desired impact, with the Brazil star saying, "Love it! Can I play already? After this, I'm ready to play."
He will have to wait, but not for too long. Arsenal face Como in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon in Cardiff.
Camaraderie with Gabriel
Bruno Guimaraes watching a message from Gabriel
Bruno Guimaraes has been joined by an international team-mate at club level(Image: https://www.youtube.com/@arsenal)
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The new signing's friendship with Gabriel resurfaced later in the video. After filming a video in which he lays out his ambitions, Guimaraes is told there's one more special message.
"Hello Bruno, we're really happy to have you here with us," Gabriel can be heard saying in Portuguese. "Can't wait to be out there with you, enjoying every moment in this shirt. This club is massive, mate, and we're definitely going for the titles this season."
Guimaraes is full of smiles while watching the video, once again calling Gabriel "My guy". The camaraderie is already plain to see and the new colleagues will want to convert that friendship into results on the pitch.
Dad watching on
Towards the end of the video, it's time for a photoshoot and some keepy-uppies. The camera then pans away from Guimaraes and towards his father, watching on in the shadows.
Bruno Guimaraes' father
Bruno Guimaraes' father has supported him throughout his career(Image: https://www.youtube.com/@arsenal)
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The player's dad is the reason for him wearing the squad number 39. The midfielder's old man worked as a taxi driver in Brazil and 39 was also the number of his cab.
"I remember when I was like 11, 12 years old, my father drove me no matter where, always with the number 39," Guimaraes explained. "When I got to Athletico Paranaense, I went to do the medical. When I got my clothes and I opened [the bag], the number 39 was in there and I was very scared. I went to the kit man, and I said: ‘Why the 39?’
"He said: ‘Well, if you don’t want it, you can change it.’ I said: ‘No, no, no, it’s exactly what I want.’ At that moment, I called my father, and when I told him the story, he started to cry. He said: ‘I told you, this number is going to give you luck.’"