Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationBBC SportUnverified source· 7 Aug 2026
Guimaraes wanted Arsenal move, says Newcastle chief
Newcastle's sporting director reveals the emotional captain pushed for a move to Arsenal.
Bruno Guimarães
player
Player
Bruno Guimaraes
From
Newcastle United
To
Arsenal
Fee
£75m
What happened. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said the club did not plan to sell Bruno Guimaraes, but the captain wanted to join Arsenal, and a £75m move is set to complete.
- Wilson said Guimaraes told them he wanted to leave and move on.
- The midfielder bid a tearful farewell to teammates and staff.
- He becomes the fourth key player to leave in less than a year.
“He effectively told us he wanted to leave and move on.”
— Ross Wilson
Guimaraes' exit follows other key departures, weakening Newcastle's squad as they rebuild.
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