When Bruno Guimaraes steps onto the pitch for a new club, he carries a piece of his father’s story with him. The number 39 on his shirt is the same number that once adorned the yellow taxi his father drove in Rio de Janeiro, a symbol of sacrifice that funded his dream of becoming a footballer. Now, that very shirt is vacant at Arsenal, as the Premier League champions prepare a £70m bid for the Newcastle captain.
Arsenal are set to make a formal offer for the 28-year-old Brazil international, who is a priority target for Mikel Arteta’s side. Guimaraes is keen to join the Gunners after leading Newcastle to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years – last season’s Carabao Cup – and the club are aware of his preference. Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle, though Newcastle insist they have no intention of selling and claim no direct approach has been made.
“Arsenal prepare £70m bid for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, who is keen to join the Premier League champions.”
The Magpies have already let Sandro Tonali join Tottenham for £100m this summer, and a pattern has emerged of them initially digging their heels before eventually sanctioning a move for wanted players. Arsenal will hope history repeats itself, but they are reportedly unwilling to go beyond their £70m valuation. The Gunners have a hardline maximum for Guimaraes, just as they refused to match the £117m Chelsea paid for Morgan Rogers.
If the transfer goes through, Arsenal would likely hand Guimaraes the number 39 shirt – currently vacant after youngster Harrison Dudziak wore it last season. The number, previously worn by Hector Bellerin and Francis Coquelin, holds deep personal meaning for the midfielder. “The number on my shirt tells a story more beautiful than words can express,” Guimaraes once said. “The 39 was my father’s taxi number in Rio. That yellow taxi kept my dream alive.”
Guimaraes arrived at St James’ Park in a £35m move from Lyon in January 2022, quickly becoming a fans’ favourite under Eddie Howe. His departure would leave a sizeable hole in a Newcastle side already depleted by Tonali’s exit. Arsenal, meanwhile, are determined to strengthen after last season’s title triumph, with defensive targets Ezri Konsa and Jacobo Ramon also on their radar, while a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez remains a dream – albeit one complicated by the forward’s desire to join Barcelona and a potential British-record fee.
For now, the focus is on Guimaraes – and the number 39 that could soon be seen in north London.