Bruno Guimaraes has made an immediate case for himself at Arsenal, but the Brazilian midfielder has admitted that swapping Newcastle United for north London was a far harder decision than the early goals might suggest.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal paid €87 million for the 28-year-old during the summer window.
- Guimaraes has scored twice at the start of the campaign, with both strikes bringing valuable points.
- His arrival has handed Mikel Arteta greater scope in the middle of the pitch.
- The former Newcastle captain said leaving St James’ Park cost him “so many sleepless nights”.
- He hopes to build at Arsenal the same bond he enjoyed on Tyneside.
A difficult farewell to Newcastle
There was no suggestion that Guimaraes left Newcastle lightly. Having captained the club and become a firm favourite among the supporters, the midfielder described the attachment he felt there as something special.
“I had so many sleepless nights. Leaving Newcastle was not easy at all for me because the connection was special,” he said.
Guimaraes added that he had never previously felt as cherished as he did during his time with Newcastle. It explains why a move that was financially substantial and professionally attractive still came with a measure of regret.
Arteta’s new midfield option
Arsenal’s €87m summer signing has nevertheless settled quickly into a prominent role. His two goals in the opening weeks have directly helped the Gunners collect points, while his presence has added another useful option to Arteta’s midfield selection.
At 28, Guimaraes arrived with the experience of leading a Premier League side rather than merely learning its rhythms. Arsenal will hope that steadiness, along with his early impact in front of goal, gives the manager a stronger hand as the fixture list begins to tighten.
The next task is a familiar one for any player crossing from one passionate crowd to another: earning the trust of his new home. Guimaraes believes he can do it. “I hope I can receive the same love here at Arsenal,” he said.
