Arsenal chose Guimaraes after considering three costly midfield alternatives

Arsenal considered signing one of three other midfielders before completing a deal for Bruno Guimaraes during last summer’s transfer window.

The London club ultimately secured the Brazil international from Newcastle United at the beginning of August for €87.5m. However, according to journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal had also given serious consideration to Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott and Amadou Onana as possible alternatives.

Tonali was being assessed as another option from Newcastle United, while Scott was under consideration at AFC Bournemouth. Onana, who was then with Aston Villa, also featured prominently in Arsenal’s thinking.

The Belgium international remained on the club’s list of targets until the start of July, when his situation changed after he suffered a cruciate ligament injury. That ruled him out of contention as Arsenal continued to assess their midfield options.

Guimaraes was eventually selected and has made two appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side in the season so far. The 28-year-old midfielder signed a contract running until 2030 with the reigning champions of England.

The scale of the alternatives considered underlines the importance Arsenal placed on strengthening in midfield before deciding to complete the move for Guimaraes. Tonali, Scott and Onana were all examined by the club, but it was the Newcastle United midfielder who became the final choice.

Arsenal’s purchase of Guimaraes was completed in early August, bringing the transfer process to a conclusion after the club had explored several possible candidates. The €87.5m fee made the Brazilian the selected option from a shortlist that also included two other Premier League midfielders and Onana.

Mokbel’s report indicates that Arsenal’s interest in Onana lasted until the beginning of July, before the injury to his cruciate ligament removed him from consideration. The club then continued its search and eventually agreed terms to bring Guimaraes to north London.

With two matches already played under Arteta this season, Guimaraes has begun his Arsenal career while holding a long-term agreement with the club. His contract is set to remain in place through 2030, linking the midfielder with the English champions for the next several years.