Bruno Guimaraes has revealed the light-hearted message Declan Rice sent him before completing his move to Arsenal, with the Brazilian midfielder now looking forward to forming a midfield partnership with his former Premier League rival.

Guimaraes has joined Arsenal from Newcastle United on a long-term contract after his £75m move from Newcastle United, becoming the latest addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Gunners look to strengthen their bid to retain the Premier League.

The Brazil international is no stranger to Arsenal’s midfield, having faced the club numerous times since arriving in the Premier League in 2022. His battles with Arsenal’s midfield have now taken a different turn, with Guimaraes set to share the pitch with Rice.

The 28-year-old revealed that Rice reached out to him before his move and joked about their previous encounters.

“Rice sent me a message: ‘Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends!’ I was happy he messaged me,” Guimaraes said in his first interview as an Arsenal player.

Guimaraes also spoke highly of Arsenal’s midfield, describing it as one of the best in Europe.

“In my point of view, [the Arsenal midfield] is one of the best in Europe. Everyone is an amazing player,” he said.

The Brazilian believes the style of Arteta’s team suits his own qualities. Having previously experienced Arsenal’s intensity as an opponent, Guimaraes is now eager to contribute to it.

“Every time when I play against [Arsenal] it was very tough. They keep the ball, they defend like one. I think that combination is the way I like to play as well,” he added.

Guimaraes arrives with an ambitious target. He wants to win trophies, make history and leave a lasting legacy at Arsenal.

“I want to put my name in the club history,” he said, while also describing himself as a “warrior” who will never give up.

With Rice and Guimaraes in the midfield, the Gunners have massively bolstered their spine as they welcome the 2026-27 season.