If there is one thing that has become clear, it is that Bruno Guimaraes could be Arsenal’s top transfer target. According to many rumours and reports, Arsenal’s first focus this summer will be to upgrade the midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes a top target.
After hearing this, one may wonder, “What about the attack?” Isn’t the attack the area where Arsenal should focus on strengthening? Although many Gooners don’t want to admit it, Kai Havertz’s revival in striking in the last few months has completely altered Arsenal’s summer plans; the club should no longer be anxious to get a top striker, but they may look to sign an up-and-coming one.
That being said, why would Arsenal forego a move for a top striker and another midfielder in favor of spending £100 million on the Newcastle player? Arsenal have always been interested in the Brazilian international, and they came close to signing him before Newcastle signed him up in 2022. But I bet it’s not their long-standing admiration that has Arsenal keen to finally sign him; it’s his stats from last season.
Guimaraes was a force in midfield; he led the Premier League in key areas like:
◉ Most fouls won (108): His tenacity in winning the ball back for his team is undeniable.
◉ Most duels won (285): Whether on the ground or in the air, Guimaraes consistently came out on top in individual battles.
◉ Most possession won (236): This stat highlights his intelligent positioning and anticipation, snuffing out opposition attacks before they develop.
◉ Most high turnovers (40): Crucially, Guimaraes often regains possession in dangerous areas, creating immediate scoring opportunities for his team.
You cannot look at these stats and not believe that if he had been a Gunner alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, he would have made a difference. Arsenal would have been more dominant, created more chances, scored more goals, and been more efficient in front of goal, particularly in games such as the 1-0 losses to Villa and Newcastle last year and the 0-0 draw with Manchester City in March.
I feel Guimaraes has the potential to push Arsenal to the next level, and I wouldn’t mind if he became the club’s star signing this summer, with Arsenal activating his £100 million release clause. Because Newcastle will not be playing in Europe next season, he should be easier to convince to join.
Sam P
Bruno G is definitely the kind of profile that can replace Partey. But at that price point we might as well sign Tchouaméni.
With Alaba and Militao coming back from injury, Mbappe and Endric arriving, surely his minutes will diminish. Feels as gettable as ever
Although none of the four you mentioned play even close to the same position as him…
Well my friend, let me explain.
if you actually followed Madrid you’d know that due to those injuries to Alaba and Militao, and also because there’s no shortage of world class midfielders in Madrid’s squad, Tchouaméni is currently used as centre back.
Well no need for that of course next season.
Also with arrival of more attacking options Bellingham will move back to midfield, making the midfield even more congested.
And Madrid usually play with 3 midfielders. So someone has to sit on the bench. I reckon they someone is Tchouaméni.
Arsenal has the money: ~£250m earned from tv and reaching UCL quarter finals; expected sale and release of players like Tierney, Partey, Elneny, Lokonga, Tavares, Ramsdale, Vieira, Cedric, Nketiah, Marquinhos etc; promised backing from the kroenkes again this summer; expected challenge for the premier league and UCL again next season; record sponsorship deals etc.
He’s top class, but I think £100mil is too much and I don’t think we’re that desperate in that position as some suggest. Am sure we can find some alternatives, I just think £100mil is too much honestly.
If I were allowed to choose just one from the dozens of names suggested here & elsewhere, I’d immediately discard 80%, having never seen any of them play, and select from just those here in the UK. The stand out for me would always be Bruno, a player we once could have signed before he went to Newcastle.
We paid over £100m for Rice, so let’s not quibble over the price. He would be an asset and worth every penny of the fee.
Reason for signing Bruno – diminishing the threat from the growing threat that is not yet fully recognised, Newcastle.
BrunoG is very good but will cost Arsenal a lot. A striker is the most top priority. I would advice Arsenal stick with their interest in Matin Zubimendi he is more technically gifted than BrunoG. Both are good combertive midfielders who are good at breaking plays.
I’d go for this very very well said👊
Guimares at £100m is madness. However good he is that amount is too much for his qualities. Get another DM,we have quite a number of decent DMs around. Invest the rest of that money in a quality L.b.
Remember Caicedo anyone?
Zubimendi, who has been included in the Spanish squad for the Euros, is, in many ways similar to Guimaraes, and as he has a release clause of around 50m, he would represent far better value for money than the Brazilian who has only recently been recognised at full international level
Well said Cliff.We do indeed need a quality LB and although I say it through gritted teeth, the best I saw last season was Udogie of Spurs.Because of the suicidal high line imposed by their Manager, not surprisingly their full backs were caught out of position on numerous occasions, but in a more sensible defensive set up Udogie would be immense with his pace, energy and skill.Although he needs to sharpen up in some areas he could be a terrific LB and it’s unfortunate for Italy that he is not fit to be included in the squad for the Euros.
I agree with you Grandad on Udogie.Spuds were so lucky to land him.
We need a left footed player with pace and energy in that position. That will give us the stability in defence and allow players like Martinelli to express themselves in a better way.
L.b must be amongst our priorities this summer.
Top players cost top money.
If the likes of Calceido and Enzo Fernandez cost over 100m, Guimares should be worth that amount as well.
He is just 26 which perfectly fits the Arsenal model, and he knows the Pl inside out.
Go for him please; he would improve Arsenal massively
Fair enough CM, but don’t you think Chelsea paid way over the top for the two players you mention, neither of whom set the heather on fire last season.I do prefer Guimaraes but for half the price I prefer Zubimendi.
Isn’t Guimaraes currently involved in a betting scandal or have I got that wrong?
Sorry got that wrong, I got him mixed up with Paqueta!!
there is no doubt Arsenal need a Defensive Midfield rebuild with aging legs
Elneny (gone), Partey (going), Jorginho (1 or 2 years max)
that rebuild is probably two players of absolutely top quality over next 2 years – from a risk and $$$ perspective then one this summer and one next summer makes a lot of sense (or both this summer to reduce the risk even more)
on top of that Odegaard injury cover / rotation options look particularly thin
Guimaraes has many attributes for Arsenal in this situation:
– PL proven
– PL proven high quality performance
– Defensive Midfield stats above
– potentially an Odegaard cover option looks
despite the [outdated] desperate clamour for £100m striker by some fans, i think Edu/Arteta may view Arsenal priorities differently and that £100m may well go on Guimaraes