Bruno Guimaraes has asked to leave Newcastle United and wants to join Arsenal, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazil midfielder is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from St James' Park, as the club's best players exit one by one following the Saudi-backed takeover.
Newcastle's Decline After Initial Success
Newcastle fans celebrated the Saudi Arabian-led £305m takeover in 2021, which ended Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), holding assets of £250bn, provided 80% of the funds, promising a new era of competition at the top of the Premier League. Under manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies revamped their squad, qualified for the Champions League, and reached two League Cup finals. They lost the first in 2023 to Manchester United but won the Carabao Cup in 2025, beating Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley—their first major trophy since 1969.
However, last season Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League, missing out on European competition entirely. Howe, 48, has faced scrutiny, and Guimaraes is reportedly concerned about the club's sporting direction and the departures of key teammates.
Exodus of Star Players
The exodus began in 2024 when Newcastle sold homegrown talent Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for just £20m to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and avoid a points deduction. Anderson later became an England star at the World Cup and joined Manchester City for £116m, but Newcastle, lacking a sell-on clause, received no benefit.
In summer 2025, striker Alexander Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool for £125m on deadline day. Newcastle scrambled to replace him, spending £45m on Nick Woltemade and £55m on Yoane Wissa, both of whom flopped. Isak arrived at Liverpool unfit and struggled with injuries in his first season.
Winger Anthony Gordon, linked to Liverpool for £75m in 2024, stayed and scored 17 goals in 46 appearances but left in June 2026 for Barcelona in a £69.3m deal. Midfielder Sandro Tonali, signed from AC Milan for £55m in 2023, moved to Tottenham for £100m (£92.5m upfront plus £7.5m add-ons). Tonali had served a 10-month ban for betting breaches but became a key player, helping Newcastle win the 2025 Carabao Cup.
Guimaraes Seeks Arsenal Move
Now Guimaraes, a fan favourite since joining from Lyon in 2022, wants to leave for Arsenal in search of major trophies. Romano reported that personal terms have been agreed, and Guimaraes will not force a move like Isak. He said: "My understanding is on player side, Bruno Guimaraes wants to go to Arsenal, Bruno Guimaraes has clear desire to go to Arsenal, and personal terms would not be an issue. Then Bruno Guimaraes, from what I understand, didn't tell Newcastle something in Alexander Isak story style like one year ago – sell me or I am not going to stay here. Bruno Guimaraes wants to be respectful with Newcastle."
Romano added: "My understanding, sources involved and close to the story say that a transfer fee maybe around £90m could be the beginning of the discussion." Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay around £60m, but Newcastle insist they want to keep him.
It seems clear that Newcastle's best players are no longer convinced by the Saudi Arabian project.
