Bruno Guimaraes has revealed the emotional turmoil behind his summer move from Newcastle United to Arsenal, admitting he lost sleep over the decision. The £75 million signing says forging the same bond with Arsenal supporters as he had on Tyneside is his greatest hope.
"I lost many, many nights of sleep because it was difficult for me, for my family," Guimaraes said. The 28-year-old Brazilian was Newcastle's captain and a fan favourite, having famously helped the club end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025. He described leaving as a wrench, saying, "I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle."
Guimaraes departed during a turbulent period for his former club, with manager Eddie Howe's future uncertain and teammates like Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali being sold. Despite Newcastle's public stance that they did not want to sell their captain, the midfielder secured his move in search of a new challenge. He has since made 13 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side, starting back-to-back Champions League fixtures and settling into a midfield trio with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Guimaraes scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win at Sunderland and followed it with a Premier League winner against Leeds. He almost netted a vital goal in the recent 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich, only to be denied by a stunning Manuel Neuer save. Declan Rice, a former on-pitch adversary, messaged him upon signing, saying, 'No more fights, now we're friends.' Guimaraes praised Arteta's detailed video analysis and the collective will to win he has instilled at the Emirates.
Arsenal's strong start to the season, sitting second in the Premier League with 18 points from seven games, provides an immediate platform for Guimaraes to chase silverware. His first return to St James' Park is scheduled for after the November international break, a fixture that will be highly charged for the player. Guimaraes has spoken of the need to create new history in North London, acknowledging the pressure that comes with a big transfer fee but embracing the project under Arteta. He highlighted the squad's depth and unity as key factors in their early-season form, which sees them competing on multiple fronts.
More detail at bbc.co.uk
