Arsenal are closing in on one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window after Newcastle United agreed to sell club captain Bruno Guimarães for £75 million.
According to trusted journalist David Ornstein, negotiations between the two clubs have reached their final stages after successfully reaching a middle ground regarding the transfer fee. Arsenal initially opened talks with an offer below Newcastle’s valuation, while Newcastle held out for a higher price before settling on a £75 million agreement.
The deal has not been officially announced yet, as final procedural details and Guimarães’ medical examination remain before contract signing and his formal presentation as a new signing for the reigning Premier League champions.
Guimarães’ Preference Drives Arsenal Move
The 28-year-old midfielder’s personal stance played a decisive role in pushing negotiations forward. Guimarães informed Newcastle executives of his desire to join Arsenal and embark on a new chapter in his career.
Despite the Brazilian international’s status as a key figure at St James’ Park, Newcastle’s hierarchy gave the green light for his departure, provided the financial terms met their expectations and reflected the value of one of their most crucial players.
Both parties are actively resolving the remaining contractual details, with the deal expected to be finalized shortly, barring any unexpected setbacks during the medical or contract review. Spanish outlet AS reports that performance-related add-ons could elevate the total value of the deal close to €100 million.
How Much Will Lyon Earn from the Transfer?
Newcastle will not be the sole financial beneficiary of Guimarães’ move to London. French club Olympique Lyonnais are entitled to a 20% sell-on clause on the profits Newcastle generate from the transfer.
Guimarães joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 for approximately €42 million plus add-ons. Current estimates suggest Lyon’s share from the resale could range between £7 million and £8 million, with the precise amount depending on the final calculation of net profit and performance bonuses.
Impressive Newcastle Numbers
Guimarães enjoyed an outstanding 2025–2026 campaign with Newcastle, earning the club’s Player of the Season award after recording 9 goals and 8 assists across all competitions.
The Newcastle captain reached 17 goal contributions—equaling the highest single-season output of his career—despite missing 15 matches due to a severe thigh injury. Since his arrival on Tyneside, Guimarães has established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders, known for his press resistance, ball progression, and box-to-box work rate.
Prior to his European spell, the Brazilian represented Athletico Paranaense in his homeland before moving to Lyon in 2020 and subsequently to Newcastle two years later.
What Bruno Guimarães Brings to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal
Bruno Guimarães offers Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta significant tactical flexibility. The Brazilian is equally adept at operating as a deep-lying defensive midfielder or as an advanced central midfielder, backed by extensive Premier League experience.
Known for his leadership and ability to dictate the tempo of matches, Guimarães addresses key attributes Arteta seeks to bolster to defend the Premier League title and launch a strong UEFA Champions League campaign.
The move comes as Arsenal continue to reinforce their squad following their first Premier League title in 22 years, while Newcastle prepare for a squad rebuild after finishing 12th in the table and missing out on European qualification.
