£80m Arsenal target could be an even bigger midfield talent than Guimaraes

For many years, Arsenal fans were extremely critical of the hierarchy’s lack of investment into the senior ranks, but such concerns can’t be brought into question in the present.

Over £900m has been spent on new additions since Mikel Arteta’s arrival back in December 2019, with such investment undoubtedly allowing the Spaniard to claim Premier League glory last term.

However, added reinforcements are expected before the end of the summer, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior one of the players heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

Such a deal could be a tricky one to complete given his mega wage demands and Madrid’s reluctance to sell him, but it appears one move could be a lot more straightforward this window.

Why Guimaraes could be crucial to Arsenal’s title defence

Over recent weeks, Arsenal have been constantly working on a deal to land Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães in an attempt to bolster the midfield department.

The Brazilian has even stated his desire to leave the Magpies and move to the Emirates, leading to an £80m fee being mooted for the 28-year-old’s signature.

A move is yet to be fully agreed, but appears to be moving in the right direction, but what exactly would he add to the heart of Arteta’s side next season?

Well, Declan Rice is a player who may face an extended break from the senior ranks after his summer at the World Cup, with the Gunners needing a proven top-flight option to fill the void.

Guimaraes would offer Arteta exactly that and more next campaign, especially if he can emulate his tally of nine goals and five assists from the 2025/26 campaign.

His talent in possession is further reflected by his tally of 45 chances created last term – with such a tally the highest of any player within the now departed Eddie Howe’s squad.

Even without the ball, the 28-year-old caught the eye in the Premier League, subsequently making the most tackles and interceptions of any player on Tyneside last term.

How Arsenal can land a bigger talent than Guimaraes

It appears as though the deal for the Newcastle star is heading in the right direction, with Arteta seemingly already approving his transfer to the Emirates.

However, the pending deal has not stopped other players in the same position also being touted with a move to join the Gunners ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Countless names have been mentioned in recent times, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott the latest option to seemingly appear on the club’s transfer shortlist.

It’s been reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook that Arsenal have been in talks with Marco Rose’s outfit over the possibility of a deal for the 22-year-old midfielder this summer.

They also claim the Cherries do not want to lose their star midfield talent this window, with reports elsewhere claiming it could take upwards of £80m to secure a deal.

Chelsea are another side who have previously been interested in the youngster – even making an offer – with Manchester United also constantly monitoring his progress.

Arteta’s men do appear to be genuinely interested in a move for the Englishman, but it remains to be seen if such a deal hinges on Guimaraes’ proposed switch to North London.

However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Premier League last term, Scott did manage to outperform the Brazilian in multiple key areas.

The Bournemouth star managed to complete more of his attempted passes in England’s top-flight, whilst also achieving a better dribble success rate.

Both of the aforementioned figures showcase his dominance with the ball at his feet, which could see him offer the Gunners a more composed and talented option within their possession-based system.

Even without the ball at his feet, Scott managed to get the upper hand over the Magpies star, subsequently managing to register more defensive contributions per 90.

His tally of 12.2 contributions, along with his impressive tally of 6.2 ball recoveries made per 90, ranked him in the top 15% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues.

The Cherries star may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but his strike at the Emirates last season has showcased to the Gunners faithful what he could add to the side.

The six-year age gap between the two targets could also play a factor, with Arteta’s men able to get more impact out of their £80m investment with a move for Scott.

There’s no denying both players are incredible talents and both would massively improve the options currently available to the manager in North London.

However, there’s no denying Scott is a younger and more promising addition for the Gunners – potentially building on his current talent and widening the quality gap between himself and Guimaraes.