Arsenal have secured the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, a solid and high-end acquisition, but it is not a game-changing transfer. The Brazilian has proven himself to be a very effective performer in the context of the Premier League's particular demands.
Guimaraes covers a lot of ground. In a 4-3 win over Leeds United at St James' Park in January, he ran 13.24km - well over eight miles. Only two other players broke the 13km mark in a single Premier League game last season: Manchester City's Bernardo Silva against Nottingham Forest and Brighton's Pascal Gross, who did it twice against City and Chelsea.
A Committed Performer
Guimaraes is a committed character, and it is fair to say he was the heartbeat of the Eddie Howe team that ended Newcastle's long wait for a major trophy and qualified for two Champions League campaigns. In those campaigns, he featured in 13 matches, failed to score, and produced only one assist. His Premier League numbers are significantly better, scoring 30 times (two penalties) for Newcastle and contributing 26 assists.
More detailed statistics show Guimaraes has, across the last three seasons, won more duels (697) than any other Premier League player. Mikel Arteta, like most Premier League managers, loves a player who can win a duel. Given the prices in most top-level midfield transactions this summer, a fee in the region of £75million for the 28-year-old is relatively reasonable. But he is not a game-changer.
The Vinicius Jr Factor
His countryman Vinicius Junior most certainly is. Vinicius and his advisers are scheduled to meet with Real Madrid executives for make-or-break talks over his contract impasse. The 26-year-old attacker has a year left on his deal and wants a £10million-a-year increase to his current salary of £15million. Real's offer stands at an annual £19million - still £6million shy.
Arsenal would have to shatter any sort of pay-scale they have, but this would be a one-off move. This would be a statement signing of the highest order. For all the Premier League's self-proclamation about being the best club competition in the world, it still struggles to attract the ultimate marquee players. They normally go to Real Madrid, not leave Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior has been a flagship player at the Bernabeu and, most significantly, a proven Champions League performer.
What Vinicius Would Bring
Arsenal and Arteta deserved great credit for going all the way to the final - and to a penalty shootout - last season, but they lacked just one extra, attacking dimension. Vinicius Junior would provide that. He has 26 goals and 21 assists in his last 46 Champions League appearances. And while Arsenal fans will rightfully dismiss it as unimportant, Vinicius Junior will make them more watchable. He will make the Premier League more watchable.
Clearly, there is still a lot of work to be done if Arsenal are to tempt Vinicius Junior to the Emirates. But even if you are not a Gunner, it is a move that the Premier League should be desperate for.
