Bruno Guimaraes has opened up on his decision to leave Newcastle United to join Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has explained why he felt he had to bring down the curtain on his five-year stay at St James’ Park to make a big money move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
The Brazil international joined the Magpies in a deal believed to be worth around £35m just months after a PIF-led consortium had completed a takeover deal at the club. Former Lyon midfielder Guimaraes was one of the most eye-catching signings of the first transfer window under the new ownership as he joined the likes of Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier in agreeing to join Eddie Howe’s ranks.
Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Sunderland and Arsenal FC at Stadium of Light on September 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Sunderland and Arsenal FC at Stadium of Light on September 12, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After helping United avoid relegation during his first six months in the North East, Guimaraes was part of the side that secured qualification for the Champions League and earned a place in the Carabao Cup final during his first season in black and white. That same competition would see the Brazil star become the first Magpies captain to lift a major domestic trophy in 70 years when he left United to a 2-1 final win against Liverpool and that helped him achieve his goal of writing his name into the club’s history books.
However, his time as a Magpie came to a close this summer when Guimaraes followed the likes of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali out of the door as he joined Arsenal in a reported £70m move - and he has explained just why he felt he needed to pursue a move to North London.
Speaking to Brazilian media on Wednesday: “Newcastle is a club with a beautiful history. I was the first captain to win a title there after 70 years, along with my teammates. So we left our mark on the club's history. I had been at the club for almost five years and I felt inside that I needed a new challenge. I was ready for it. I'm very grateful to the club for everything it has given me.
“Now, starting my career at Arsenal, starting well, starting with the right foot. As I said, it's a new responsibility and I really wanted to take this step. And focus, because, as you said, leaving a routine that I was already used to and starting a new one, it takes a little time, a little adaptation. But I think I'm doing well, I'm very happy and excited for the new challenges.
“I do want to go back to Brazil”
Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton with the Carabao Cup (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton with the Carabao Cup (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Guimaraes also looked towards a possible return to Brazil later in his career and revealed two Serie A club that were on his radar - but stressed he is ‘very focused’ on Arsenal as he looks to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium.
He said: “I do want to go back to Brazil and play for Vasco or Atlético. These are the teams I'm very grateful to. But I don't think about it now, to be honest. I just arrived at Arsenal, so I'm very focused. I want to be a champion there, I want to play, I want to make my history with this new jersey. But, anyway, God belongs to the future, but for today I would like to play for these teams.”