One Arsenal summer transfer target has now posted a picture of himself on social media alongside one of the North London club’s iconic former players.
Arsenal are known to hold an interest in signing Bruno Guimaraes.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his midfield ranks in the upcoming summer transfer window. With Mohamed Elneny leaving the club as a free agent, Jorginho in the latter stages of his career, and a need to move on from Thomas Partey, the Gunners must make reinforcing their numbers in the middle of the park a top priority.
Arsenal face tough task to sign Bruno Guimaraes
However, Newcastle United have made it clear that they are reluctant to part with Guimaraes. The Gunners would have to meet his £100 million release clause in order to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian would be a brilliant addition to Arteta’s squad. Guimaraes is technically excellent, is a creative passer of the ball, and offers a goal threat. He netted 7 times and provided 10 assists in 50 outings for the Magpies, across all competitions, this season.
Guimaraes is also an aggressive and tenacious presence in the middle of the park, willing to snap into tackles and scrap to win physical duels. In that sense, his style of play is somewhat reminiscent of Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva.
Bruno Guimaraes could be the new Gilberto Silva for Arsenal
Gilberto was on the books with Arsenal between 2002 and 2008. In that time, the Brazilian made almost 250 appearances for the North London club, scoring 24 goals. He provided reliable protection for the back four, and was a key figure for the Invincibles side who won the Premier League title in 2004 without losing a single match.
If Arsenal were to strike a deal with Newcastle United this summer, Guimaraes could be the Gunners’ new Gilberto. He would certainly form a fearsome partnership with Declan Rice, as both players can make an impact at either end of the pitch and would bring real steel to the spine of the team.
Guimaraes has recently been in the company of Gilberto. Posting on his personal Instagram account, the 20-cap Brazil international posted a picture of himself alongside the Arsenal icon, calling him a “phenomenon.”