Bruno Guimaraes believes Newcastle United ‘definitely’ have the means to become a Premier League powerhouse like Arsenal, speaking via The Express after sealing his £33 million move to Eddie Howe’s nouveau-riche side.
Now, before you all point and laugh at Arsenal, it’s worth remembering that the Gunners did not make a January bid for the Brazil international. Contrary to popular belief.
Yes, the London giants have shown an interest in Guimaraes in the past.
But, despite a lack of top-quality central midfielders at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, Arsenal never really looked like going head-to-head a newly-minted Newcastle for the Lyon playmaker.
But don’t let the truth get in the way of a fun narrative.
And, explaining his decision to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with a club sitting just one place and two points off the bottom of the table, the 24-year-old insists that Newcastle will soon be competing with Arsenal – rather than Norwich, Burnley and Watford – at the other end of the table.
“Definitely,” Guimaraes says when discussing if Newcastle can rival the three-time Premier League winners one day in the near future.
“We’re going to be a club that is going to be a big power in world football. It’s already a club with a great tradition, a big history. I have no doubts about my decision to come to Newcastle.”
Will Bruno Guimaraes be a Premier League star at Newcastle?
Guimaraes, the most expensive and high-profile of Howe’s five January signings, is compared to Kevin de Bruyne by Brazil manager Tite.
The former Athletico Paranaense ace is more of a deep-lying, all-action playmaker than a defence-splitting number eight, however. He is equally comfortable snapping into tackles as he is opening up the opposition with a pinpoint through ball.
Guimaraes’ arrival coincides with Isaac Hayden being left out of Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad for the remainder of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
