Arsenal are on the verge of completing one of the standout transfers of the summer window, reaching an agreement with Newcastle United for the services of their influential Brazilian captain BBC. While some industry reporting indicated the total package could climb higher, the core club-to-club agreement is set at £75m. The player, who joined the Magpies from Lyon in January 2022 for £40m, made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals during his time on Tyneside, cementing his reputation as one of the most durable and consistent midfielders in the Premier League.
The Long Road to an Emirates Switch
The pursuit of Guimaraes has been one of the defining sagas of the summer. Mikel Arteta identified the Brazil international as his top central midfield target early in the window, but negotiations tested relations behind the scenes. Newcastle initially dug their heels in, with manager Eddie Howe desperate to keep his captain, especially after losing Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a £100million deal and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69.3m earlier in the window.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle would have rejected any approach if Guimaraes had expressed a desire to stay, but the player made it clear he viewed this as his final major opportunity to contend consistently for domestic and continental titles. Relations between the player and club remained professional throughout. Unlike the friction surrounding Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool the previous summer, Guimaraes reported as scheduled to Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, on Monday, complying with club demands before traveling to finalize his exit.
Why the Number 39 Holds Special Meaning
Upon arriving in north London to complete his medical and pen his five-year contract, Guimaraes will likely encounter a seamless transition regarding his preferred kit choice. The number 39 shirt is currently vacant at the Emirates Stadium following the summer departure of academy youngster Harrison Dudziak.
For Guimaraes, the digits carry a profound personal history that has followed him across spells with Athletico Paranaense, Lyon, and Newcastle.
“The number on my shirt tells a story more beautiful than words can express. I know that people think it’s a strange number for a footballer. But for me, 39 is special. It’s magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life. It brought me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and funded the trips that allowed me to realise my dream of becoming a footballer. The number 039 was my father’s taxi number in Rio de Janeiro. My father drove that yellow taxi day and night so that I could eat.”
Bruno Guimaraes, via The Players’ Tribune and Mirror
Tactical Impact on the Premier League Champions
The addition of the 28-year-old gives Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta an embarrassment of riches in the center of the pitch.
With Guimaraes set to complete his media duties and exit formalities, Newcastle’s summer player sales have now surpassed that figure.
