Mikel Merino Calls Arsenal’s Midfield the Best in Football After £75m Bruno Guimaraes Signing

Mikel Merino believes Arsenal now have the strongest midfield in world football after Bruno Guimaraes joined the club for £75 million from Newcastle United. The Brazilian midfielder’s arrival adds even more quality to a squad that clinched the Premier League title last season.

Arsenal’s Midfield Depth Reaches New Heights

Merino made a striking statement about the Gunners’ engine room, describing it as possibly the best midfield in the sport. The high-profile signing of Guimaraes, who left St James' Park for the Emirates Stadium on a four-year deal, has intensified competition for places in the team.

“Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football,” Merino said. “The amount of quality we have there, with every player ready to come on and deliver, is fantastic. That’s good for the team and the squad. It pushes everyone’s level because if one has a bad day, the teammate close by will step up.”

Talking about his new teammate, Merino added, "Amazing signing. He has shown over the years how good he is at Newcastle and proved it again today. A lot of composure, technical skill, and defensive work. He’s a top player, and we have many like him here. Anyone who comes to help the team is welcome."

Immediate Impact from Guimaraes

Guimaraes wasted no time integrating into the team, debuting in a pre-season game against Italian side Como shortly after joining. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the Brazilian’s eagerness to play despite limited training time, saying,

“He’s only had three training sessions but looked good. He was really pushing to get some minutes today. He wanted to debut and feel the fans’ support right away. You can sense a strong connection, and that will make us better.”

Ambition Remains High at Arsenal

Despite winning the Premier League last term, Merino emphasized that Arsenal’s hunger to win trophies has not diminished.

“I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Winning last season doesn’t mean we’re satisfied. We want more trophies, every one possible. That’s the best part of this team—not just the depth and quality in every position, but the hunger.”

• Player: Bruno Guimaraes
• Transfer Fee: £75 million
• Previous Club: Newcastle United
• Contract Length: Four years
• Debut Match: Pre-season friendly vs Como
• Manager: Mikel Arteta
• Competition: Premier League
• Upcoming Fixture: Arsenal vs Manchester City, 16 Aug 2026, 16:00