Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated that the signing of Bruno Guimaraes is a significant step towards elevating the club to a "next level." The midfielder's arrival was officially announced on Saturday, with Guimaraes being presented to supporters at the Emirates Stadium prior to the match against Borussia Dortmund. While not included in the squad for that game, he is expected to be available for the upcoming fixture against Como.
Arteta highlighted the immediate positive impact Guimaraes has had on the training ground, noting his "energy, the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club." He emphasized the need for players with such ambition and personality to drive the organization forward. "We want to go to the next level and are very, very much convinced that we're going to need players with such a personality, desire and character to push everybody inside the organisation to go even higher," Arteta said.
The addition of Guimaraes bolsters Arsenal's midfield options, which already include Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Eberechi Eze, and Mikel Merino. Arteta detailed Guimaraes's on-pitch attributes, including his versatility to play in multiple midfield positions based on tactical needs or opponent. He also praised the player's "tremendous timing and intuition to win the ball back and progress play very, very fast." Additionally, Guimaraes is described as comfortable in progressing play between lines, moving into advanced areas, and being a goal threat with a knack for timely runs into the box.
Arsenal has also completed the signings of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer. Despite a pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, who ultimately signed a new contract, Arteta indicated Arsenal's continued ambition in the transfer market. "Well, that's what we're trying to do. If we have the right player in the market to make us much better. We are very much looking forward to that," he commented.
Regarding player fitness, Arteta provided an update on Jurrien Timber, stating he is still "weeks away" from returning. William Saliba remains a long-term absentee as he recovers from a back injury.