Guimaraes can lift Arsenal to the next level for the Gunners in north London, says Arteta as they chase the Premier League crown this season

Bruno Guimaraes can lift Arsenal to the next level, Mikel Arteta declared, after the £75 million midfielder’s arrival from Newcastle United was unveiled inside the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The signing, confirmed by a Getty ImagesImage caption, was presented to fans before the Gunners’ clash with Borussia Dortmund, underscoring Arteta’s belief that the Brazilian will raise the club’s ambitions. Arsenal reporter at Emirates StadiumPublished14 minutes ago highlighted the club’s confidence.

Guimaraes was omitted from the matchday squad for the 3‑2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, but Arteta indicated the midfielder is likely to feature in the upcoming game against Como on Wednesday. He was presented to supporters inside the Emirates Stadium before the Dortmund clash. The club’s statement emphasized that the player’s integration is already underway.

"I’m delighted to have him," Arteta said. "We see very clearly – especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground – the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club." He added that this ambition is exactly what Arsenal needs to push the organisation higher.

The signing of Guimaraes gives Arteta a wealth of midfield options. Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino are all available alongside the new Brazilian.

Arteta explained what he expects Guimaraes to add on the pitch: "Versatility to play in two different positions depending on what we want or the opponent does." He praised the player’s timing, intuition to win the ball back and ability to progress play quickly, noting that Guimaraes is comfortable putting people through, moving between the lines and making runs in behind. "And then he’s a goal threat – he’s got a smell and a really good timing to get in the box," Arteta added.

Arsenal have already completed the signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and brought in goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. The Gunners also pursued Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, but the forward signed a new six‑year deal to remain in Spain. Arteta affirmed the club will keep looking for the right players to improve the squad.

The manager gave an update on injuries, confirming that Jurrien Timber is still "weeks away" from returning to fitness, while William Saliba remains a long‑term absentee as he recovers from a back injury.

Arteta concluded that Arsenal will continue to be ambitious in the transfer market, seeking players who can help the club reach the next level and compete for the Premier League crown this season.