Arsenal will be alive to the possibility of signing Bruni Guimaraes this summer, although Martin Zubimendi is the priority midfield target, Arsenal Insider sources understand.
Guimaraes is enjoying an impressive season at Newcastle, scoring three goals and registering six assists in 28 Premier League appearances, and leading the Magpies to EFL Cup silverware in the process.
This form has reportedly prompted interest from the Gunners in the Brazilian, with imminent new sporting director Andrea Berta said to be keen on bringing the player to N5.
However, Zubimendi is very likely to sign for Arsenal, and the chances of the North Londoners sealing deals for both Guimaraes and the Spaniard are understood to be slim.
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Arsenal’s stance on Bruno Guimaraes transfer
Reports emerged last week that Berta wants to sign Guimaraes for Arsenal, with the Italian eager to acquire the Newcastle captain alongside Zubimendi.
Thomas Partey is expected to leave, while Jorginho has agreed a pre-contract with Flamengo, and thus, both veteran midfielders are likely to be plying their trade elsewhere next season.
That may create space for Arsenal to bring two new midfield players to the Emirates this summer, although it’s unlikely that there’ll be two marquee additions in this area of the pitch.
TBR Football’s transfer expect Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Guimaraes will be harder to pry away from Newcastle than Alexander Isak, and that Zubimendi is certainly ahead of the Brazil international on the Gunners’ list of targets.
“Bruno is not as advanced as some reports have suggested,” he said.
“I personally think that he’ll be a lot harder to get out of Newcastle than Alexander Isak. He’s had the new contract, possibly get another one out of Newcastle, it’s a very different situation with his to Isak.
“I don’t think Bruno is at the top of any Arsenal list. Zubimendi talks are continuing, they do want another.
“Jorginho and Partey are going but [Sverre] Nypan and [Pablo] Barrios are younger versions for the midfield and ones for the future really.
“If Bruno comes on the market, I’m sure Arsenal will be aware of it but Zubimendi remains their main target.”
Despite some suggestions that the Real Sociedad playmaker’s transfer is all but a done deal, Arsenal Insider revealed previously that Arsenal are exploring alternatives to Zubimendi.
Therefore, while Zubimendi may be the first-choice target, Arsenal aren’t putting all of their eggs in one basket, and may deem Guimaraes one of the more attractive alternatives.
Bruno Guimaraes’ statistics vs Martin Zubimendi’s statistics
Arsenal have been courting Zubimendi for some time, and there’s an acceptance in many quarters of the club’s fanbase that the Spain midfielder is destine to be the long-term replacement for Partey.
However, Guimaraes might actually be the better option.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League only) | ||
| Stat | Zubimendi | Guimaraes |
| Appearances | 27 | 28 |
| Goals | 2 | 3 |
| Assists | 1 | 6 |
| Pass Accuracy | 83.1% | 82.7% |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 6.18 | 7.32 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 0.56 | 1.38 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.41 | 2.12 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.29 | 0.93 |
Offering significantly more in the final third than Zubimendi, Guimaraes also progresses the ball at a more prolific rate than his La Liga counterpart.
Ultimately better in possession in almost every phase of play, Newcastle’s talisman trumps the San Sebastian native in every area of the data aside from the defensive side of the game.
However, what the prospective midfielder does in possession is arguably more important in a Mikel Arteta team, as they’d be slotting into what is already one of the best defensive sides in world football, and one with Declan Rice alongside them.
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