Bruno Guimaraes linked with Arsenal amid midfield revamp and Odegaard exit

Arsenal are eyeing Bruno Guimaraes as part of a major midfield shake-up that could reshape the Emirates Stadium engine room this summer.

What’s driving the Bruno Guimaraes link?

Arsenal sealed their first top-flight title in 22 years on 18 May, but the club’s hierarchy knows standing still invites rivals to chase them down. With Declan Rice installed as captain and Martin Odegaard’s future uncertain, the Gunners are hunting for midfield upgrades. Guimaraes, 28, fits the bill: a proven Premier League performer with five seasons at Newcastle under his belt and a hunger for a fresh challenge.

The Brazil international is open to new adventures, sources told Goal, and Arsenal are ready to open talks if a deal can be struck. A fee between £80 million and £100 million could tempt Newcastle to sell, insiders claim.

Would Guimaraes start for Arsenal?

That’s the big question. Speaking to Goal, Jérémie Aliadière-Arsenal’s ‘Invincible’ winger-said Guimaraes is “a top player, top level,” but fitting him into Mikel Arteta’s system won’t be simple. Rice anchors the midfield, Odegaard pulls the strings, and Eberechi Eze adds creativity. Where does Guimaraes slot in?

“Would you put him at the number six as the more defensive of the three?” Aliadière asked. “I don’t know because Guimaraes loves to go forward as well and score goals and be up there.” Arteta will need to solve that puzzle if the move happens.

Could Odegaard leave to make room?

Arsenal are also linked with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, fueling speculation that Odegaard could be moved on. The Norwegian lifted the Premier League trophy just weeks ago, but injuries and inconsistent form have sparked debate over his captaincy. Rice is the favorite to take the armband, leaving Odegaard’s future uncertain.

Aliadière suggested a clean break might suit all parties. “Maybe the solution is if he wants to leave, the club’s happy to get a good fee, everybody’s happy,” he said.

What happens next?

Arsenal’s transfer window is wide open, and Guimaraes tops their midfield wish list. Newcastle’s asking price is steep, but the Gunners have shown they’ll pay big for world-class talent. If a deal is agreed, Guimaraes could become Arteta’s marquee signing of the summer.

For now, the focus stays on the pitch. The World Cup returnees-including Rice-are expected to report back in late summer, meaning Arteta’s squad picture could shift fast. Guimaraes’ arrival would add firepower, but only if the numbers add up.