Bruno Guimaraes is set to become an Arsenal player after the Gunners reached a breakthrough with Newcastle United following weeks of negotiations. The Premier League champions will sign the 28-year-old after agreeing a £75million deal.
With personal terms long finalised and the midfielder granted permission to undergo his medical ahead of signing a five-year contract, Mikel Arteta is on the verge of landing his top target to reinforce the engine room.
When the Selecao star officially puts pen to paper, he will become the latest addition in a long line of Brazilian talent at the club. Arsenal's samba connection stretches back to the Arsene Wenger era and has remained strong throughout Arteta's tenure.
From forgettable to legendary
Guimaraes arrives with massive expectations, following in the footsteps of compatriots ranging from legendary figures to forgettable panic signings. Here, Mirror Football ranks all 17 Brazilians who have signed for Arsenal.
At the bottom of the list is Pedro Botelho, signed from Figueirense in 2007, who never made a senior appearance due to work-permit issues. Wellington Silva, a highly rated teenager in 2010, also failed to play an official game despite five loan spells.
The middle ground
Juan, a left-back from Sao Paulo, made just two appearances before a knee injury ended his Arsenal career. Neto, a goalkeeper on loan from Bournemouth in 2024, made a solitary Champions League appearance. Marquinhos showed promise with a goal and assist on his Europa League debut but struggled to establish a role and left permanently in 2025.
Willian arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2020 but scored just one goal in 37 outings before leaving. Andre Santos, signed in 2011, offered attacking intent but is remembered for defensive frailties and a half-time shirt swap with Robin van Persie.
The top five
Gabriel Jesus, signed from Manchester City in 2022, revitalised the attack but has battled injuries since the 2022 World Cup. Gabriel Martinelli, plucked from the lower leagues in 2019, became one of the Premier League's best left wingers. Edu Gaspar, a member of the Invincibles, later returned as sporting director. Gabriel Magalhaes has developed into a defensive cornerstone alongside William Saliba.
The greatest is Gilberto Silva, 'The Invisible Wall', who anchored the undefeated 2003/04 Invincibles and scored the club's first competitive goal at the Emirates Stadium. He made 244 appearances and won the World Cup with Brazil.
