Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is finally securing the signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, satisfying a long-standing transfer target after a protracted pursuit spanning more than six years, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Why Arsenal Failed to Sign Bruno Guimaraes in January 2020
Arsenal first targeted Guimaraes during the January 2020 transfer window, a pursuit confirmed at the time by Athletico Paranaense president Mario Celso Petraglia. However, the Gunners were financially constrained by commitments including a £72m fee spent on Nicolas Pepe the previous summer, Mesut Ozil’s £350,000-a-week wages, and approximately £10m in costs surrounding Unai Emery’s departure. As a result, then-head of football Edu Gaspar and the Arsenal board insisted that any formal offer must wait until the end of the season. Lyon capitalized on that hesitation, utilizing a personal approach from Juninho Pernambucano to secure a £20m deal. Guimaraes later told The Guardian that Juninho’s direct call to his family and straightforward negotiations were decisive, contrasting it with Arsenal’s delay.
How January 2022 Transfer Speed Handed Guimaraes to Newcastle
A second opportunity emerged in January 2022 as Lyon faced severe financial pressure following pandemic losses and a collapsed French television rights deal. While Arsenal maintained genuine interest, they were once again indecisive and slow to close a deal, according to reporting by Sami Mokbel in the Daily Mail. Conversely, Newcastle United acted with immediate urgency, utilizing fresh takeover funds to pay more than £30m up front in a package rising to £43m, alongside raising the player’s wages from roughly £30,000 a week to £90,000. Guimaraes noted that Newcastle provided the only concrete offer that winter. The midfielder subsequently dealt a blow to Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes that May by scoring against them at St James’ Park.
Evaluating the £100m Valuation and Why Previous Summer Moves Stalled
Technical opportunities in subsequent windows were largely limited by valuation thresholds. During the summer 2024 transfer window, Guimaraes held a £100m release clause that expired in the final week of June. Transfer analyst Ben Jacobs reported at the time that Arsenal had no plans to trigger that clause, preferring to wait for a price drop while pursuing alternative targets like Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Did you know? Arsenal’s initial pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes in January 2020 coincided with the club bringing in Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares on short-term loan deals instead of executing permanent midfield reinforcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Arsenal first try to sign Bruno Guimaraes?
Arsenal first targeted Guimaraes during the January 2020 transfer window, but delayed their formal bid until the summer, allowing Lyon to complete a £20m transfer.
Why did Newcastle United beat Arsenal to Guimaraes in 2022?
Newcastle moved decisively with immediate funds in January 2022, paying an initial fee exceeding £30m and offering a substantial wage increase, whereas Arsenal were slower to formalize their interest.
What was the stumbling block in the summer of 2024?
Guimaraes possessed a £100m release clause valid only through June, which Arsenal declined to trigger, opting instead to monitor alternative midfield targets.
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