Guimaraes: I will be a warrior for Arsenal, I want to win trophies and make history

Bruno Guimaraes has stated he will be a "warrior" for Arsenal in his first interview since his £75m move from Newcastle.

The Brazil international was officially unveiled on Saturday as the club's fourth signing of the summer and its biggest so far, bringing to an end Mikel Arteta's year-long pursuit of a new midfielder. Arteta hopes the new arrival will compete with and play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

Guimaraes leaves Newcastle after four years at St James' Park, during which time he developed into one of Europe's best midfielders. He is now hoping to win trophies regularly, having won only the League Cup during his time at the Magpies.

"I feel very good, I feel fantastic," he told Arsenal. "I'm so excited to get this opportunity.

"Since my first conversations with Edu and Mikel, I was really excited. I just felt inside that I needed a new challenge in my life. I think being an Arsenal player will be an exciting challenge in my life."

He added: "I feel like, after playing in two World Cups, I'm at this point in my life where I need this challenge. I want to win trophies, I want to make history, and I feel like I'm in the right place, and I'm really looking forward to starting. We have many tough games to play this season, so the squad will be very important, and I hope we can achieve our dreams."

Arsenal have signed Guimaraes with the hope that he will both raise the floor and ceiling of the team. The 28-year-old midfielder has promised to bring his tenacious and combative style of play to north London.

"I can pass the ball, I can run a lot, and I can play like a warrior, and I will never give up," he said. "I will try to help the team. I am good with the ball, I am composed, I am very calm, and many times I can score a few goals, and I hope I can make everybody here very, very happy."

Guimaraes has taken all the messages sent to him by Arsenal fans during the long transfer saga to heart.

He said: "I want to say to you guys, thank you for everything. All the messages you sent—I am so excited to join you. I will give my best, I promise. Like I said, I am a warrior for you, and I will never give up. I hope we can make many good memories together."

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