Berta closes in on landing £72m star

Just over a month ago, Arsenal lifted the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. It was an incredible moment. The Gunners will now always have a soft spot for Selhurst Park.

However, several weeks after that event, no one could have foreseen the first signing of this new title-winning era. Was it Morgan Rogers? No. Was it Julian Alvarez? It was not him either.

Instead, Andrea Berta and Co turned their attentions to French goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Released by Leeds after failing to play a single minute since March 2025. He is set to arrive as a third choice goalkeeper. He may not play much for the north Londoners either but it’s still a strange one.

Alas, Mikel Arteta’s side are still set to go big in the transfer window. Last summer was an impressive window but what they need on this occasion is one or two landmark deals, moves akin to the transfer that saw Declan Rice head to the Emirates for a mega £105m.

Why Rice was the catalyst for Arsenal’s Premier League success

There are two key moments in the revival of this great football club, firstly the hire of that man Arteta and second the signing of Rice from West Ham three years ago.

The Englishman had just won the Conference League with the Irons and it marked the perfect time to leave the London Stadium behind, exiting on an almighty high.

The midfielder did not do so lightly. He loves the Hammers but wanted the chance to win regular silverware. Well, it may have taken longer than he initially anticipated but Rice is now a Premier League winner and a Champions League runner up. His decision to head across London has been vindicated.

Co-owner Josh Kroenke called it a “big moment” when asked about the deal after winning the league and he is right. It was the move that made the rest of the division take them seriously.

They had beaten Manchester City to the signing of England’s next superstar and in that three years since, he has arguably become his country’s third most important player behind Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham; that’s how good he is.

Signed initially as more of a defensive-minded player, Rice has become the complete midfielder under Arteta’s wing. He’s a fierce duel winner, a monster carrier of the ball and he’s become one of the best set-piece takers in the world.

Those two free-kicks against Real Madrid will never be forgotten while he has also helped Nicolas Jover cultivate the most dangerous set-piece routines across Europe. Rice can seemingly do it all and to top it off, he barely misses a game either. Last term, the 27-year-old played more minutes than any other outfield player at the club.

That does, however, mean Arsenal need another midfielder. Rice cannot do it all on his own. Perhaps they could seal their best signing since Rice in a bid to do just that.

Why £90m star could be Arsenal’s best signing in years

Rice has been managing neural pain during England’s World Cup campaign so it’s vitally important that they find another midfielder this summer.

Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked, as has Bournemouth’s Alex Scott but the leading target right now is Bruno Guimaraes, who wants to join the Gunners according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Reports have been rife since that breaking news with Brazilian outlet UOL actually suggesting that while Arsenal have already submitted two bids for Guimaraes, there is a belief that a third offer totalling £72m could finally be accepted by Newcastle.

As a result, is noted that the midfielder is now ‘very close’ to moving to the Emirates. Further reports from Italy even reveal that the Brazil star has agreed personal terms on a five year contract.

So what’s all the fuss about? Why could this 28-year-old prove to be their best signing since Rice? Well, as international colleague Gabriel Martinelli puts it, the Toon star is already “one of the best midfielders in the world” and he showcased as much during the World Cup, assisting Martinelli’s late winner in the last 32 against Japan.

We all know Arteta loves to sign a player with Premier League experience and in Bruno, they would find the perfect midfielder for the Spaniard.

He’s not just Premier League-proven but he’s Newcastle’s captain. He’s a leader of men, an exemplary figure, a player you’d go to war for. First and foremost, however, he would be a mighty fine upgrade on Martin Zubimendi. That’s what matters most here.

What Arsenal missed at times last term was a progressive passer from deeper in midfield. Zubimendi was an impressive capture a year ago but he has his limitations. Rice described their partnership as “outstanding” but the fact is, their club-record signing would enjoy things even more if he was partnered with Guimaraes.

While Rice is more of a progressive carrier, the Newcastle man is a progressive passer. He registered more open play expected assists, through ball passes and progressive passes than Zubimendi last term. He is the perfect foil for the England international in the middle of the park.

A boisterous figure, a real leader of men, Guimaraes has the potential to take Arsenal’s midfield to a whole new level. Alongside Rice, Arsenal would surely have the best midfield duo in the entire league.

That move to sign the former West Ham man in 2023 was a landmark moment and this would be another. It’s a signing capable of helping the Gunners create the dynasty they are after having won a first league crown in over two decades.