Ex-Newcastle captain backs Guimaraes to give Arsenal major title advantage
Former Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles believes Bruno Guimaraes is the “perfect” signing to help Arsenal challenge for consecutive Premier League titles.
Guimaraes completed a £75 million move from Newcastle to Arsenal in August after almost five years at St James’ Park.
The Brazil international had become one of Newcastle’s most influential players during that period and eventually succeeded Lascelles as club captain.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lascelles highlighted Guimaraes’ mentality as a quality which could prove particularly valuable to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“For Arsenal, I think if they want to challenge for that back-to-back sort of titles, I think he’s a perfect person to sort of go in there because he’s such a winner,” Lascelles said. “His standards are so high, he’s fiercely passionate about winning.”
Lascelles had an opportunity to observe those characteristics closely after playing alongside Guimaraes for several seasons on Tyneside.
The midfielder joined Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022 and went on to make 195 appearances in all competitions, registering 31 goals and 31 assists.
Guimaraes also became the first Newcastle captain in 70 years to lift a major domestic trophy when the Magpies defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the 2025 League Cup final.
The 28-year-old eventually decided to pursue a new challenge after helping transform Newcastle from a side battling relegation into regular contenders for European qualification.
Arsenal moved to add that experience to an already strong midfield containing Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi.
Guimaraes has previously explained that winning further silverware was central to his decision to move to north London.
“I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it,” he said following his transfer.
His start to life at Arsenal has provided early evidence of why the Gunners were prepared to make such a significant investment.
Guimaraes has featured six times across all competitions and opened his Arsenal account with a superb long-range strike in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland.
Lascelles’ assessment also underlines the leadership Arsenal have added to their squad as they attempt to defend the title they won last season.
Guimaraes spent his final campaign at Newcastle as captain and arrived at the Emirates with extensive Premier League experience.
For Lascelles, however, it is his former team-mate’s relentless desire to win that could prove most important as Arsenal pursue another title.
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