Bruno Guimaraes has mocked Arsenal over their attempts to sign him in an unveiling video posted on Twitter after his move to Newcastle.
The 24-year-old joined the Magpies from Lyon on Sunday, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League club.
Newcastle are thought to have paid an initial £35m for the midfielder which could rise to £41.5m if they avoid relegation this season, which would make him the club’s record signing.
Arsenal were also strongly linked with Guimaraes this month and the Brazilian has taken a cheeky dig at the London club over their failed attempts to land him.
He uploaded a video to Twitter on Sunday which begins by showing several newspaper headlines linking him with a move to the Emirates, before he is shown in a Newcastle shirt standing outside St James’ Park.
One of the headlines reads: ‘Arsenal face battle from two Premier League rivals to sign player Edu loves’, while another says: ‘Arsenal have three-man midfield shortlist led by Bruno Guimaraes as Mikel Arteta hints at splashing clash’.
The video, which was posted alongside the caption ‘A beautiful chapter is coming’, has predictably wound up some Arsenal fans on Twitter.
“POV- Arsenal fighting for champions league, Newcastle in a relegation scrap,” wrote one supporter.
Another fan added: “He obviously wanted Arsenal but we didn't want him.”
Guimaraes arrives at Newcastle having scored three goals and provided eight assists in 71 games for Lyon.
A full Brazil international, Guimaraes has made three appearances for his national side and was part of the squad that won gold at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
He becomes Newcastle’s third major signing of the January window, joining Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood at St James’ Park.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says he is looking forward to working with the midfielder when he returns from international duty with Brazil.
“Bruno is a hugely exciting talent and has been one of our primary targets so I’m delighted to secure him. He strengthens the group immediately ready for the challenge ahead,” said Howe.
“He has been one of the standout performers in France and is a full international for Brazil so I have no doubt our supporters will really enjoy watching him.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the club on his return from international duty.”
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Twitter: Brunoog97Topics: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Lyon, Brazil
Rory O'Callaghan