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Newcastle and Arsenal have agreed a deal if around £75m for Bruno Guimaraes, but what does he bring to Arsenal?

The Transfer

    After a memorable 4 seasons in the North East, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is set for a move to reigning champions, Arsenal. The deal is reported to be in the region of £75m pounds and the signing is set to be announced in the coming days. This is just short of the £80m valuation that Newcastle held for the Brazilian international. 

How does he play?

    There are many ways that Bruno Guimaraes could help Arsenal. Firstly, he allows for more squad rotation. This is especially useful due to the fact that Arsenal will be playing in 4 different competitions next season and will need strength in depth to compete with the teams around them. He will make an excellent pairing with Declan Rice as he dominates with his physical strength and lateral passing, whereas Guimaraes brings a creative flair to the midfield. This is the flair that Arsenal lack sometimes, he outscored the whole of Arsenal's midfield last season with 9 goals plus added 5 assists. Additionally, he sits just behind Declan Rice in key passes and accurate passes per game, complementing Rice well. Another key attribute that Guimaraes will bring into Arsenal is strengthening their build up play. Bruno is frequently seen using an outside of the boot pass to rip through low blocks. With this unique angle it allows for unpredictable runs for more attacking players like Kai Havertz. Arsenal are not Arsenal without set pieces, and Bruno Guimaraes possesses a lethal whip on corners, which Arsenal already specialise in. Off the ball, he has a highly aggressive style and hunts for possession immediately after is is lost. Finally, the signing of Guimaraes allows for tactical flexibility in midfield. Guimaraes can play as either a midfield anchor, orchestrating the build up, or he can play as more of a number 8 in central midfield utilising his elite creativity, this therefore allows for Mikel Arteta to have more options in midfield and have more attacking threat with direct ball carries and late box runs.

How does he fit in in Mikel Arteta's system?

    Bruno G fits incredibly well into Mikel Arteta's tactical blueprint of a 3-4-2-1/4-4-2 formation. He is a multi-phased midfielder who perfectly addresses the flaws in the Arteta system. To start, he is key in the build up, but also conquering the high press. He lures in a pressing midfielder and then hits them on the turn to take one or two players out the game. This allows for him to bomb forward and start attacks. When Arsenal pin their opponents into a 5-4-1 low block, space is difficult to find and Bruno Guimaraes significantly helps that. By deploying Guimaraes as a left midfielder or a deep playmaker, this allows for Arsenal to increase their offensive passing links and create more attacks, more easily. As a wide midfielder, Guimaraes' passing and scoring will make him perfect for the role and would additionally form a bridge between defense and attack. As a deeper number 6, he allows for the fullbacks to get forward and invert. This enables for added central progression if there is no spaces out wide. Bruno is effective at making forward runs and either completing a pass or taking a shot on goal. Lastly, playing as deeper player means that play can be recycled more easily and new moves forward can be made.

Is he truly the right fit?

    Yes, Bruno Guimaraes fits incredibly well into Mikel Artets's system. He enables more tactical versatility and strength in depth to Arteta's system. He can make runs forward and is highly talented in his passing, which makes him perfect in the Arsenal midfield. When Arsenal are defending, his aggression compliments well in his game style and can allow for swift transitions forward.

Final Words

    After accepting a £75m pound offer from Arsenal, Bruno Guimaraes is set to be Arsenal bound and will fit in well in their system. His will to win and amazing attitude will make him a welcome addition in the Arsenal side that will be hoping to successfully defend their Premier League title.