Bruno Guimaraes has yet to secure a regular starting place at Arsenal since completing his move from Newcastle United this summer.
The Brazil international arrived at the Emirates Stadium with a strong reputation after four successful years at Newcastle. However, former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle believes Guimaraes must work hard if he wants to become a regular choice for Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal paid £75 million to sign the 28-year-old midfielder from Newcastle. Guimaraes also signed a four-year contract with the Gunners.
Despite the big investment, his place in the starting XI is not guaranteed.
Guimaraes has started only one of Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches. His difficult start was highlighted when Arteta took him off while Arsenal were 3-0 down against Brighton.
Bruno Guimaraes Faces Strong Arsenal Competition
The competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield is one of the biggest challenges facing Guimaraes.
At Newcastle, the Brazilian midfielder was one of the team’s key players. He enjoyed a strong level of trust and had the freedom to play with confidence.
His role at Arsenal is different.
The Gunners already have several high-level midfield options, meaning Guimaraes must compete for his place rather than expect to start every match.
Waddle believes that change could take some time for the midfielder to adjust to.
“I think Bruno Guimaraes has got to work hard to keep his place in the team. Arsenal are at a very high level,” Waddle told Betpack.
The former Newcastle winger still praised Guimaraes’ qualities. His ability to carry the ball, provide energy and cover different areas of the pitch could become valuable for Arsenal.
However, Waddle believes those qualities alone will not guarantee him a regular role.
Guimaraes Has to Prove Himself to Arteta
Guimaraes is now facing a different challenge after moving from being a key Newcastle player to competing for a starting role at Arsenal.
That situation could be difficult for a player who was used to having greater responsibility at his former club.
Still, Waddle believes the Brazilian has a clear way to change the situation.
If Guimaraes performs at his best whenever he gets an opportunity, he could force Arteta to keep selecting him.
“He is not guaranteed to start at Arsenal, so that will be a little difficult for him to accept. I am sure if he comes in and plays like he can, he will keep his place,” Waddle said.
That makes every opportunity important for Guimaraes.
Rather than focusing on his current position in the squad, the midfielder will need to use his minutes to show why Arsenal invested £75 million in him.
Arsenal’s Midfield Battle Is Fierce
One of the biggest obstacles for Guimaraes is the quality of the players already competing for midfield positions.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are among the players he must compete with for a place in Arsenal’s midfield.
Both players have important roles within Arteta’s team. As a result, Guimaraes needs to produce performances at a very high level if he wants to become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Waddle believes the midfielder has the ability to do exactly that, but he will need to reach another level.
“For him to be the first name picked in midfield alongside Declan Rice and to be there with Martin Odegaard, he has to play exceptionally well,” Waddle said.
That competition could also push Guimaraes to improve.
Instead of having a guaranteed role, he now has to compete against established players for regular minutes. The situation may create more pressure, but it also gives him a chance to show his value in a demanding Arsenal squad.
Waddle Questions Arsenal’s Decision to Sign Guimaraes
While Waddle recognises Guimaraes’ quality, he also questioned whether signing the Brazilian was an essential move for Arsenal.
The former Newcastle player believes Guimaraes is a good midfielder but suggested that the transfer was somewhat surprising given Arsenal’s existing options.
“He is a good player, but I wouldn’t put him down as a must-buy,” Waddle added.
That view adds another layer to the discussion surrounding Guimaraes’ arrival.
Arsenal made a significant financial commitment to bring him to North London. Naturally, expectations will be high, especially when a player arrives for £75 million.
Guimaraes therefore needs to show that he can make a clear impact whenever Arteta gives him the chance.
Guimaraes Still Has Time to Establish Himself
Despite his difficult start, Guimaraes still has plenty of opportunities to establish himself at Arsenal.
His experience at Newcastle means he already understands the demands of English football. During his four years at St James’ Park, he helped the club qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup.
Those achievements show that Guimaraes has experience performing at a high level in England.
The next challenge is proving that he can do the same in an Arsenal team with strong competition for every position.
Key areas will include:
- Taking advantage of opportunities to start.
- Maintaining high energy levels in midfield.
- Showing his ability to carry the ball forward.
- Competing effectively with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
- Earning Arteta’s trust through consistent performances.
Guimaraes does not need to change his entire style of play. Instead, he needs to show that his strengths can fit into Arteta’s system.
A Major Challenge Awaits Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes’ Arsenal career has not started exactly as many expected.
The £75 million signing has yet to establish himself as a regular starter, while competition in midfield remains intense.
Chris Waddle believes the Brazilian has the quality to succeed, but he must earn his place through his performances.
That challenge is very different from his experience at Newcastle, where he became one of the club’s key players and enjoyed a strong level of confidence.
At Arsenal, Guimaraes must compete for every opportunity.
If he can perform consistently when selected, his chances of becoming a regular starter will increase. Arteta has shown that players must earn their place, and Guimaraes now has the opportunity to prove that he belongs among Arsenal’s leading midfield options.
For the Brazilian midfielder, the message is simple: talent may open the door, but performances will determine whether he stays in the starting XI.
ALSO READ :
