Alan Shearer explains why he understands Bruno Guimaraes’ Arsenal transfer

Alan Shearer has admitted he is disappointed to see Bruno Guimaraes leave Newcastle United, although the club legend believes the Brazilian has earned the right to pursue a new challenge with Arsenal.

Guimaraes is closing in on a £75 million move to the Premier League champions after four-and-a-half years at St James' Park, bringing an end to a spell in which he became one of the club's most popular players.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer reflected on Guimaraes' connection with Newcastle supporters, admitting the midfielder's departure will be difficult to accept after everything he contributed to the club.

"First of all, as a fan of Newcastle who has watched him for four or five years, I'm disappointed because I've seen him produce magical moments.

"I've seen him kiss the badge. I've seen him react to the crowd. I've seen him be made captain. And I've heard him say how much he loves the club."

Despite that disappointment, Shearer believes the circumstances surrounding Newcastle have changed significantly over the past year, making the move understandable from a professional perspective.

"He's 29 in a couple of months. He's going to the champions. Last week, he saw his manager Eddie Howe leave. He saw Alexander Isak leave last summer then this summer he saw Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali sold.

"Every time he put on a black and white shirt, you could never complain about his attitude and professionalism. So with my professional head on, I understand why he wants to move to the champions."

Shearer believes Guimaraes' departure will leave a similar void to Alexander Isak's exit, describing both as major losses for Newcastle.

However, he felt the club were right to cash in on Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, arguing neither player had justified their transfer valuations before leaving St James' Park.

"Losing Isak last summer hurt, obviously. And Bruno will hurt because he's a very, very good player.

"Eddie Howe was a brilliant manager and once he had left, Bruno was then done. He had the perfect excuse to say, 'That's me out'."

Shearer also suggested Guimaraes may have departed regardless, but believes Howe's exit accelerated the midfielder's decision to seek a move elsewhere.

Guimaraes is expected to complete his £75 million move to Arsenal in the coming days, while Newcastle continue reshaping their squad following another summer of significant change. Replacing the Brazilian's quality and leadership will be among the club's biggest priorities before the transfer window closes.