Analysis: How Bruno Guimaraes could transform Arsenal’s midfield under Mikel Arteta
By Joel Masibo, August 6, 2026Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes after agreeing a £75 million (Ksh13.275 billion) deal for the Brazilian midfielder.
The 28-year-old has also been granted permission to undergo a medical after informing Newcastle he wished to move to the Emirates if the right offer was made.
Should the transfer be completed, Guimaraes would strengthen an already talented midfield featuring Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly. His arrival would also provide Arteta with several tactical possibilities.
A utility midfielder
One of Guimaraes’ biggest strengths is his adaptability. He has excelled both as a defensive midfielder and in a more advanced central role, although he has previously admitted that he prefers operating further forward.
Speaking in 2022, he explained: “To be honest, if you ask me this question, I have to say I prefer to play at No 8, but I think my role here, at No 6, is exactly what the team needs. It is to take the ball out, to do some passes, to find the wingers and the strikers.”
He also added: “I can play both positions, but Eddie has a choice to make and, for me, the most important thing is just to play and to help Newcastle get the three points. I think my best position is at No 8 but I can play at No 6. It’s not a problem for me.”
Although he initially featured as Newcastle’s holding midfielder, he later moved into his preferred No. 8 role after Sandro Tonali settled into the deeper position. His ability to switch comfortably between midfield roles is expected to appeal greatly to Arteta, who values players capable of filling different tactical responsibilities.
A perfect fit for Arsenal’s system
Even while playing as Newcastle’s deepest midfielder, Guimaraes was often encouraged to push forward and support attacks.
He previously explained: “With the way we are playing, Dan Burn is at left-back, so he can stay in the middle and I can go and be another player to help the attackers.”
That attacking freedom produced impressive numbers. During his first full season in that role he registered four league goals and five assists before improving to seven goals and eight assists the following campaign.
Overall, he leaves Newcastle with 30 goals and 25 assists in 153 Premier League appearances, highlighting his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking phases.
New tactical combinations for Arteta
Guimaraes’ arrival could allow Arsenal to experiment with several midfield structures.
One option would see him partnered alongside Declan Rice in a double pivot. Rice has already demonstrated his ability to balance defensive responsibilities while supporting attacks, making him an ideal partner for the Brazilian.
Such a partnership could also free Martin Odegaard, or another attacking midfielder, to operate higher up the pitch with fewer defensive duties.
Arteta could also use Guimaraes as the lone defensive midfielder whenever required, allowing Rice and another creative player to play ahead of him.
Alternatively, if Arsenal wanted a stronger physical presence, Arteta could field Rice, Zubimendi and Guimaraes together. While that trio would offer plenty of defensive stability, Guimaraes’ passing ability means creativity would not necessarily be sacrificed.
Statistics from last season underline that point. Guimaraes produced almost identical numbers to Odegaard when it came to line-breaking passes and even completed forward passes more accurately than several of Arsenal’s other midfielders, showing he can unlock stubborn defences from deeper positions.
Greater competition in midfield
Adding a player of Guimaraes’ quality would naturally increase competition for places.
Rice and Zubimendi carried a heavy workload throughout last season, each featuring for more than 4,000 minutes. Bringing in another elite midfielder would help spread those demands across the campaign.
Arsenal were also hampered by injuries to Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz, making midfield depth a key priority.
Christian Norgaard’s anticipated departure would create space in the squad, although Arsenal may still need to reduce numbers following the returns of Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Vieira from their loan spells.
Guimaraes’ signing could also affect Myles Lewis-Skelly’s opportunities after the youngster impressed in midfield towards the end of last season. However, with Arsenal expected to challenge in multiple competitions again, Arteta is likely to rotate regularly.
Even so, Guimaraes would not be joining simply to provide cover. The sizeable transfer fee reflects Arsenal’s belief that he would become one of the central figures in their midfield and a key component of their pursuit of major trophies.