Newcastle United’s summer overhaul had already seen several high-profile departures before Wednesday, when it was confirmed that Arsenal has finally struck a deal for Magpies captain Bruno Guimaraes.
With Bruno now gone, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given shared his thoughts on what the move will mean for both clubs, admitting he believes the midfielder will have a major impact at the Emirates.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football betting, Given suggested Bruno could even displace
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard from his preferred role in the Gunners’ midfield.
“Where would Bruno Guimaraes fit in at Arsenal? That’s a really good question,” Given said. “I actually think Bruno is better suited to playing higher up the field so the likes of Martin Zubimendi should be relatively safe. You’re talking Martin Odegaard territory. I think that’s where Bruno plays his best football, for me.
“He sees the forward pass. He has got that eye for the runs that strikers and wingers make. When it comes to Arsenal I think he would fit more into that sort of role… If you’re got the likes of Declan Rice behind him, he can be a bit more attack-minded in that more advanced midfield position.”
Given also believes Bruno’s versatility will benefit Arsenal elsewhere on the pitch.
“Bruno can play in Declan Rice’s position as well and that could give Mikel Arteta more license to rest Declan because I think that’s becoming a real worry that Declan Rice is playing too much football,” he said. “Maybe Arteta is looking at Bruno’s flexibility and thinking he can play higher up the pitch or sit in among the holding midfielders too. It’s a signing that would give them plenty of options.”
The former Magpies goalkeeper admitted Newcastle supporters have reason to be anxious after an already dramatic summer that has seen all of Bruno, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon — the three best players in last season’s squad — be sold for a massive £250 million haul.
“I think it’s natural for all fans to fear the worst,” Given said. “Newcastle have lost some of their best players and have replaced them with younger players, who certainly have bright futures ahead of them, but it can take time for them to settle and get up to speed, especially in the Premier League.
“Almost the whole midfield has been wiped out. That’s a lot of quality and experience.”
Given also pointed to Eddie Howe’s departure as a significant moment in Newcastle’s history.
“Bruno Guimaraes is still a Newcastle United player. He’s not gone yet! Keep the faith,” Given said. “Of course, the noises coming out aren’t positive at the minute but I hope he stays. Bruno and Eddie Howe were very close but you never know, a new manager might come in and say: ‘He’s staying!'”
While Given expects Bruno to help Arsenal compete for more silverware, he believes another piece is still missing for the Gunners to truly dominate.
“Can a signing like Bruno Guimaraes give Arsenal the strength in depth they need to win multiple trophies? Yes,” Given said. “But I think they still need to strengthen their options up front with another striker as well.”
Do you think Given is right that Bruno would thrive in a more advanced role at Arsenal, or would Newcastle lose far more than just a midfielder if the move goes through? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
