​Bruno Guimarães has told Newcastle United that he wishes to leave the club to join Arsenal. Arsenal had previously had a verbal bid in the region of £55 million for the midfielder rejected earlier in the transfer window, with Newcastle steadfast in their stance that their captain is not for sale. Now, the Premier League champions are prepared to lodge an improved offer for the 28-year-old, who has informed Newcastle of his desire to depart from St James’ Park.
The Athletic reports that Guimarães has communicated to the Magpies his intention to move to North London, following Newcastle’s failure to secure European football for next season. Guimarães’ decision is a significant setback for Eddie Howe, who has already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali depart this summer. Newcastle’s bargaining position was helped by those sales, having recouped approximately £169 million from the two departures.
Guimarães still has two years left on his current contract at Newcastle and has been a central figure in the club’s recent achievements. He captained Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory in 2025, ending a 70-year wait for a major trophy, and has twice aided the Magpies in qualifying for the Champions League. This summer, he was part of Brazil’s squad that reached the World Cup last 16 and contributed four assists in five matches. Though he has often spoken of his happiness in the North East, the lure of Arsenal has convinced Guimarães to seek an exit.
So far, no formal talks between clubs have taken place, but Arsenal are now expected to formalize their initial interest with a concrete offer. Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in Guimarães, along with Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, as the reigning champions look to strengthen with proven Premier League performers. Since joining from Lyon in a £40 million deal, Guimarães has made 195 appearances for Newcastle in four-and-a-half seasons and was named the club’s Player of the Season in 2025.
This potential move comes amid ongoing Premier League drama, with Arsenal targeting additional midfield reinforcement to bolster their title defense and push for further success on the domestic and European fronts. Guimarães’s ability to control midfield tempo, contribute with goals and assists, and add leadership would align with Arteta’s system and ambitions. For Newcastle, losing their captain would be a significant blow, particularly given his leadership on and off the pitch, his influence during a trophy-winning campaign, and his contributions to the club’s sustained Champions League qualifications. As negotiations unfold, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s formal offer and Newcastle’s response, as the transfer window continues to shape the balance of power in English football.