Guimaraes: Rice messaged me saying we're friends now, no more fighting

According to The Sun, Bruno Guimaraes has revealed the message Rice sent him after joining Arsenal for £75 million. The Brazilian international has officially joined Premier League champions Arsenal from Newcastle, where he was captain, on a four-year contract with an option for a one-year extension.

Guimaraes, 28, has already received a welcome from one of the midfielders he has battled countless times in the Premier League.

During the completion of the transfer, Rice sent a simple message to his new teammate, which perfectly summarized their rivalry in recent years.

Guimaraes revealed: "It's very good, very good. Rice sent me a message saying: 'Come here, please don't fight anymore, we are friends now.' I'm very happy he messaged me, but in my opinion, the midfield here is one of the best in Europe."

Next, Guimaraes will look to build a strong partnership with Rice in midfield, similar to the one he formed with Casemiro for the Brazilian national team in recent years.

The Brazilian players in the Arsenal squad have also warmly welcomed him, with Gabriel Magalhães and others eager to see him arrive.

Guimaraes added: "Only good news, to be honest. Gabriel is very excited. Every time he messages me, it's 'We are waiting for you, when are you coming?'"

"I am really looking forward to joining them, not just the Brazilian players—we have a very excellent squad here. I am looking forward to meeting the other players and starting training. I just want to perform at my best."

The deal means Arsenal will pay Newcastle £75 million over 24 months with no add-ons. The two parties reached an agreement on Wednesday.

Sporting director Andrea Berta believes that Guimaraes will bring strength and leadership as Arteta leads the team in their quest to defend the Premier League title.

Berta said: "We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to the club. Bruno has an excellent mentality and high-level ability, and he will bring strong leadership to our squad."

"Bruno's arrival further strengthens the core of our team. As you can see, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder or as an all-round midfielder. He combines quality and coverage, and contributes goals and assists to the team every season."

Guimaraes arrives in North London as a very popular figure, having led Newcastle to beat Liverpool and win the League Cup in 2025, their first major trophy won at Wembley Stadium since 1955.

But his departure comes during a period of significant change at Newcastle. Isak joined Liverpool last year, Tonali moved to Tottenham, and Antony Gordon went to Barcelona this summer.

Lewis Hall has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, and Eddie Howe has already left his managerial position, with Newcastle facing the loss of several key figures.

For Guimaraes, the focus has completely shifted to a new chapter in North London and winning more trophies.

He said: "I feel like after playing in two World Cups, I'm at this stage of 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 now."

Arsenal's midfield options are already extensive, with Rice and Martin Zubimendi starting together for most of last season, helping the team win the league title and reach the latter stages of the Champions League. Captain Martin Ødegaard and Spanish World Cup winner Mikel Merino are also available options.

Lewis Skelly performed exceptionally well at the end of the 2025/26 season, even displacing Zubimendi from the starting lineup at one point. Eberechi Eze also provides another attacking option.

But Guimaraes has now added another heavyweight to Arteta's central midfield.

The new signing also promised Arsenal fans that he would bring the fighting spirit that made him so beloved at Newcastle.

Guimaraes said: "I feel like I can pass, run a lot, and play like a warrior. I will never give up."

"I will try my best to help the team, remain composed on the ball, always calm, and sometimes score goals, hopefully making everyone here very, very happy."

He also left a message for the fans: "What I want to say is, thank you for everything you have done for me. All the messages you sent—I am very much looking forward to joining you."

"I promise to give my best. As I said, I am your warrior and I never give up. Hopefully we can create many, many good memories together."

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