Bruno Guimaraes explains what pushed him to leave Newcastle for Arsenal

Bruno Guimaraes has opened up on his decision to force through a £75million move from Newcastle United to Arsenal, insisting he felt the time had come to take on a new challenge.

The 28-year-old brought almost five years at St James’ Park to an end during a difficult summer for Newcastle, informing the club and then-manager Eddie Howe that he wanted to leave.

Guimaraes has now explained that his decision was driven by a personal feeling that he had achieved what he could at Newcastle and was ready for another major responsibility.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure, Guimaraes remains proud of what he achieved on Tyneside.

He captained Newcastle to the Carabao Cup in 2025, ending the club's 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

“Newcastle is a club where I have a very beautiful history,” Guimaraes said. “I was the first captain to win a title there after 70 years, along with my teammates, so we made our mark on the club's history.”

However, the Brazil international felt internally that it was time to move on.

“I felt inside that I needed a new challenge, I was ready for it, and I am very grateful to the club for everything it has given me.”

His departure proved another major blow for Newcastle following Alexander Isak's exit the previous summer. Howe later stepped down as the club prepared for a significant rebuild.

Guimaraes admits adapting after spending so long at Newcastle will take time, but says he is enjoying the responsibility that comes with joining the reigning Premier League champions.

“I want to win a championship there, I want to play, I want to make my mark with this new shirt,” he said.

The midfielder has already scored against Newcastle rivals Sunderland, although his first Arsenal start ended in a 3-0 defeat against Brighton.

Guimaraes also addressed his painful World Cup experience with Brazil after missing a penalty in their elimination against Norway.

“It’s a wound, it’s a scar,” he admitted, adding that his focus is now on learning from the setback.

A future return to Brazil with Vasco da Gama or Athletico Paranaense appeals to him, but for now his ambitions are firmly centred on succeeding at Arsenal.

Guimaraes is currently with Brazil as he looks to move on from the disappointment of the World Cup and re-establish himself at international level.

Once he returns to Arsenal, his attention will turn towards securing a regular starting position and helping Arteta's side defend their Premier League title.