How Arsenal could make an even better signing than Guimaraes for just £42m

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will be quietly confident of retaining their Premier League title in 2026/27 – but added touches will be needed to further increase their chances of success next term.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all enter the new campaign under new management and will no doubt need time to adapt to the demands of their respective bosses.

The Gunners have the continuity factor in their favour after last season’s title success, which has certainly left the supporters craving more glory days at the Emirates.

However, Arteta will have one huge concern ahead of the new campaign, and it’s vital that the hierarchy listen to his demands to solve the issues in his senior ranks.

How Bruno Guimaraes can solve Arteta’s biggest issue

Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Arsenal boss Arteta will no doubt be concerned over the lack of depth within the central midfield department in his senior ranks.

Martin Zubimendi is set for an extended break away from North London after claiming World Cup glory, whilst Declan Rice undoubtedly needs an added break after his relentless period over the last 12 months.

Trust in Christian Norgaard appears to be at an all-time low, with the Danish international up for sale this summer – which could free up a move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimarães.

The Gunners’ interest in the Brazilian has been long-standing and have even had two offers rejected for his signature by Eddie Howe’s side this summer.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his levels from last season, which saw him create 1.7 chances per 90 – ranking him in the top 14% of all midfielders in England’s top-flight.

His tally of 10 goals last term showcases his ability to contribute in attacking areas – something which could make Arteta’s men an even bigger force to be reckoned with in 2026/27.

Even without the ball last term, Guimaraes starred in the ball – subsequently coming out on top of 6.2 ground duels and making 9.3 defensive contributions per 90.

How Arsenal can land a better talent than Guimaraes

The recent efforts to land Guimaraes this summer is evidence that Arteta wants added reinforcements at the heart of the side – unsurprisingly so given the factors around the options currently on the books.

Missing out on Morgan Rogers will be a bitter blow given the constant interest in his services, but it highlights the Gunners will only move on targets available for the correct price.

Cheaper alternatives will subsequently be considered at the heart of the side, with Manu Kone appearing as an option for the North London outfit in recent days.

It’s been reported by the MailOnline that Arsenal have been internally discussing a move for the French international with the view of making a potential move for his signature.

Such an article states that Manchester United also remain keen on the 25-year-old, with Roma currently demanding £42m to offload the talent this summer.

Like Guimaraes, Kone starred for his nation at the recent World Cup and his performances have no doubt led to the Gunners’ interest in securing his signature.

However, when comparing their respective stats from the summer tournament, the Frenchman managed to outperform the £85m star in various key areas.

The Roma star managed to complete 92% of the passes he attempted, whilst achieving a 71% long-ball success rate – both tallies higher than those produced by Guimaraes.

Such numbers also ranked him above 80% of other midfielders at the World Cup – which could make him the perfect ball-playing option for Arteta’s possession-based system.

Even without the ball, Kone also managed to get the upper hand on the Magpies talent, as seen with his higher tally of ball recoveries made per 90 and aerial duels won.

He offered relentless pressure higher up the pitch, subsequently breaking through the lines and ranking in the top 10% of possession won in the final third – backing up Thierry Henry’s praise that he’s “one of the best midfielders out there.”

Whilst Guimaraes may appear to be the club’s number one option for the midfield department, they should be putting all of their focus into a move for Kone this summer.

He’s proved that he’s capable of producing the goods on the biggest stage – something which will be vital if the Gunners are to achieve added success next term.

£42m would also prove to be a bargain deal for the club, with the Frenchman available for half the price of the Brazilian – but in turn, the Gunners will be landing a serious top-level operator.