Carragher warns Guimaraes signing could spell the end for Zubimendi

On the bustling Arsenal training ground, the echo of new boots being unpacked hints at a major change. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher warns that Arsenal’s imminent £75 million signing of Brazil’s Bruno Guimaraes could spell the end for midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as Mikel Arteta reshapes a squad that entered the season as Premier League champions.

Arsenal are looking to plug a perceived gap in midfield after Zubimendi’s reduced role and to sustain the ambition of defending their title. Carragher noted the club’s summer plan appears focused on winning the league again and securing Champions League football.

After weeks of negotiations, Arsenal are close to agreeing a £75 million deal with Newcastle United to bring the 28‑year‑old to north London. The Premier League champions are set to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle United, finalising a transfer saga that has dominated recent sport headlines.

Guimaraes will strengthen a midfield that already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis‑Skelly alongside Zubimendi. The addition is intended to add depth and versatility as Arsenal aim to dominate domestically and in Europe.

Carragher expressed doubts, saying he has always favoured former Newcastle teammate Sandro Tonali, who recently moved to Tottenham in a £85 million deal. He argued Tonali offered more pace and could better stretch the pitch than Guimaraes.

Martin Zubimendi made a bright start after his £60 million move from Real Sociedad, but lost his place towards the end of the season. Carragher suggested the Guimaraes signing could mean Zubimendi will not regain his intended controller role.

Mikel Arteta, who sanctioned the big‑money move, asked whether Guimaraes will play a holding role and what role Declan Rice should adopt, indicating he is still evaluating the midfield balance. His comments underline the tactical considerations surrounding the midfield overhaul.

Premier League icon Claude Makelele praised the fit, calling Guimaraes an ambitious player whose career is aimed at Champions League football and saying he would fit Arsenal perfectly. Makelele’s endorsement adds weight to the expectation that Guimaraes will thrive at the club.

Arsenal must now finalise the transfer paperwork before the season opener on August 21 against newly‑promoted Coventry City, a match that will test how the new signing integrates into the squad and whether Zubimendi’s exit becomes inevitable.