Former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has slammed Bruno Guimaraes as a “1/10” signing for Arsenal.
The Brazilian became the latest high-profile star to push for a Toon exit when he joined the Gunners last month. While Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leaving was expected, Newcastle fans were shocked that Guimaraes - as captain - decided to jump ship.
As reported by The Gazette during the World Cup, Guimaraes had been considering his Newcastle future. This came to a head following the tournament when he told the Magpies of his desire to leave.
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‘The worst decision’ - Steven Taylor
Guimaraes ultimately joined Arsenal for £75million and made his competitive debut against Aston Villa on Monday. With Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in the Arsenal ranks, the 28-year-old will not carry the same responsibility as he did on Tyneside.
Ex-Newcastle defender Taylor has now been highly critical of the man previously worshipped at St James’ Park. He told Stadium Astro: "He's made the worst decision. I don't understand why he'd leave Newcastle to go to Arsenal, but he made his decision. I'd give that transfer 1/10.”
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Sandro Tonali slammed
Tonali was another to depart and he faced the Toon boo boys on Saturday. Newcastle fans chanted the full mercenary hymn sheet until he was subbed - and jeered - off the pitch on 74 minutes.
"Seeing Tonali's reaction when he came off the pitch, he does not want to be getting subbed,” Taylor added. “He was a big signing for them and he wants to stay on. So he will be disappointed with himself because Newcastle nullified him quite well.
"He tried too hard and the Newcastle fans gave him hell and the players as well. I'm sure there were a few things said on the pitch with former players getting into him as well. He's usually a problem to play against, but against Newcastle he didn't cause any."
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