Arsenal have officially confirmed the £75million signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
Guimaraes joins the Gunners on a four-year contract, leaving St. James’ Park after four years at the club.
The announcement of the move comes after a long transfer saga, with the Brazilian heavily linked all summer.
He had agreed personal terms with Arsenal at the start of July and by the end of the month, he asked to delay his travel to Newcastle’s pre-season camp as talks with the Gunners progressed.
Now, he has completed his switch, becoming the Premier League champions’ fourth signing of the transfer window, and the most expensive midfielder over 28 in football history.
Speaking after his Newcastle exit was confirmed, Guimaraes told the club’s official channels: “This is one of the toughest decisions of my life. When I arrived, the club was in a challenging position and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together.
“I fell in love with this place. I really mean that. From my first day, the supporters, my teammates, Eddie and the staff, and everyone connected with the club made me and my family feel at home.
“I thank PIF, our chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jamie Reuben for everything they have done for me and for this football club. I also want to say thank you to David and Ross for the huge respect to me throughout this process. They did everything they could to keep me at Newcastle, and I am very grateful for our time together.
“This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me, but I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family. I had a very positive conversation with Matthias Jaissle, and I leave knowing the club is in very good hands.
“To the supporters, thank you will never be enough, but I say it with all my heart. I will always be proud to have been part of this club’s journey. Thank you for everything.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s sporting director said: “We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club.
“Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad.
“With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. As we have all seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player. He combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year.
“Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies.”
Guimaraes sticks to ‘special’ tradition
Guimaraes has marked his long-awaited arrival in north London by selecting a rare shirt number for Arsenal.
He has stuck with the No.39 shirt, which he made famous at Newcastle and also wore for Lyon and Atletico Paranaense.
No senior Gunners player has worn the number since Hector Bellerin switched from 39 to 24 ahead of the 2015/16 season.
The digits are very meaningful for Guimaraes though, and to keep them at Arsenal will be a special moment for him.
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He previously explained to The Players’ Tribune: “The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say.
“39. I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It’s magical.
“The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.
“#039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro.”
What other Arsenal players have worn 39?
By taking the No.39, Guimaraes becomes just the eighth Arsenal player ever to wear that number on their shirt.
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As mentioned, Bellerin was the most recent senior player to don the digits, doing so 11 years ago.
However, youth star Harrison Dudziak had the 39 kit last season, but he didn’t end up playing a senior game for the club.
Dudziak’s contract expired in July, so his number is now free.
Before Dudziak and Bellerin, youth player Zak Ansah had the shirt in 2012/13, with Francis Coquelin having it before that in 2011/12.
Rui Fonte in 2008/09, Mark Howard in 2005/06 and Sebastian Larsson in 2004/05 have also worn the 39 for the Gunners.
