It is easy to get fixated on specific players linked with a switch to Arsenal during both the January transfer window and the summer, with the belief that they would upgrade upon those already plying their trade in north London.
This is certainly the case for myself with a number of players who have previously seen reports connecting them with a move to Arsenal. Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Dominik Szoboszlai all quickly and painfully come to mind.
Bruno Guimaraes is threatening to become the latest instalment. Indications suggest Newcastle are pushing hard to sign the Lyon midfielder and now, according to our colleagues at Chronicle Live, he is set to undergo a medical before making the switch to the northeast.
Therefore, for the purposes of justifying said frustration, below are several reasons why a switch to Arsenal would have made far more sense for the player.
The threat of relegation
Sitting in 18th place in the Premier League, the winter spending from Newcastle backed by their new Saudi-supported owners is a sign of what may be to come. Yet, the desperation now is to improve the squad so it can stay in the league.
However, big spending does not guarantee safety. Simply ask Queens Park Rangers. Guimaraes risks seeing the 2022/23 season in the Championship if Newcastle were to go down. Arsenal meanwhile would have zero risk of this attached whatsoever.
The attraction of a top-four challenge
Leading swiftly onto the next point and Arsenal’s capacity to challenge for the top four this season. They sit in sixth and with enough games in hand over both Manchester United and West Ham to go above them should they win their reschedules matches.
Guimaraes would have come into a side with the ambitions of returning to the Champions League and establishing itself amongst Europe’s elite once again. The Brazilian would have been considered a starter and taken over the long-term duties filled by Granit Xhaka at present.
Working with a group of exciting talent
At 24, Guimaraes is a slightly older player than the youthful starting eleven that Mikel Arteta has but his performances for Lyon have already seen the midfielder lead by example.
He could have easily progressed Arsenal's play and fed the forwards. Having the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith-Rowe ahead of him would have been an exciting opportunity for Guimaraes and the club.
Reuniting with Olympic Gold-winning compatriots
Guimaraes won the Japan 2020 Olympic Gold medal with Brazil last summer alongside Arsenal’s very own Gabriel Martinelli. Gabriel Magalhaes was also called up to the squad however missed the games through an injury.
Had he joined the Brazilian contingent at Arsenal, with scope for further additions from South America with Edu’s association and links to players such as Savio, it would have enabled Guimaraes an easier transition than he may find in the northeast.
Thomas Partey or Jonjo Shelvey
And with that, I find it difficult to continue onwards.
Yet, it looks like Newcastle will pull off the deal. Of course, this points to the Gunners not being completely certain on the move despite their deficiencies. Even with just days remaining and Arsenal's midfield suffering, it could yet be another player to add regrettably to an increasingly long list.
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