Arsenal clinch Guimaraes deal as Newcastle lose captain

The Brazilian midfielder, 28, expressed his desire to join the Premier League champions earlier this summer, though Arsenal's initial approach was rebuffed by the Magpies. Guimaraes had two years remaining on his St James' Park contract, plus a club option for a third, but the agreed fee has now cleared the path for his departure.

Newcastle's departure lounge has swung open this window. With Guimaraes' exit, the club will have generated over £240m from sales, following Anthony Gordon's £69.3m move to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali's £100m switch to Spurs.

For Arsenal, the capture of one of the Premier League's most versatile midfielders represents a significant upgrade. Guimaraes can dictate play with intelligence and physicality whilst chipping in goals and assists—a rare blend in modern football. The question now centres on how Mikel Arteta will deploy him alongside an already crowded midfield options including Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

According to Sky Sports, the deal is expected to proceed smoothly, with Guimaraes cleared to travel for his medical examination.