The statistics that underline why Bruno Guimarães is the perfect signing for Arsenal

In recent years, it has become clear that Mikel Arteta loves a signing from within the Premier League, and you can now add Bruno Guimarães to this list. After a protracted saga, Newcastle United not pleased with how events panned out, Arsenal have now officially unveiled the Brazilian midfielder, arriving from the Magpies for £75 million.

This makes him the second most-expensive signing in Arsenal's history, behind only future midfield partner Declan Rice. Meantime, of Premier League players signed at the age of 28 or older, Guimarães shatters that record, one previously held by his World Cup team mate Casemiro, who joined Manchester United for £60 million at the age of 30.

Guimarães is undeniably an excellent player, one of the very best in his position in the Premier League, but that is an enormous amount of money to spend on a player who will celebrate their 29th birthday in November. However, it is certainly easy to argue that he is worth this huge investment.

Bruno Guimarães' statistics vs Arsenal

Since it has become clear that this is a move that is going to happen, various statistics have emerged about just how good the Brazilian international always is against Arsenal. As noted by ITV Sport, Guimarães has covered more distance (96.8 kms), won more duels (71) and committed more fouls (17) in games against the Gunners than compared to when he's faced any other opponent.

Meantime, according to Opta, in all matches since his Premier League debut in February 2022, Guimarães leads the league when it comes to duels (1,030) and fouls (410). During the same time frame, the 28 year old ranks second among central midfielders in terms of distance covered (1,641 kms). The only player ahead of him, with 1, 703 kilometers, is Rice, suggesting they will form a pretty formidable pairing.

So, let's compare the duo's Premier League statistics last season.

Bruno Guimarães vs Declan Rice PL stats 2025/26

Note: All statistics courtesy of Squawka and SofaScore.

The statistics make for interesting reading but, the long and short of it is, Rice and Guimarães might just form the best midfield double pivot on the planet. The Brazilian came out on top in terms of goalscoring and shooting, as well as when it came to duels, both contested and won.

Meantime, Rice created more chances, largely due to his expert set-piece delivery, as well as completing more passes and recording more interceptions, ball recoveries and touches per 90. Thus, when deployed together, they should form a partnership capable of bringing more silverware to North London in the coming seasons. As an aside, signing Guimarães means Mikel Arteta's team will not have to come up against him, which will be a relief when they visit Tyneside in late-November.

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