Arsenal can hand Bruno Guimaraes dream shirt number after letting player leave

Arsenal have had a bid for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle United as they look to sign the Brazil international in the summer transfer window

Arsenal have the opportunity to hand Bruno Guimaraes his dream shirt number if he goes on to complete a transfer from Newcastle United. The Gunners have made their move for the Brazil midfielder as they look to strengthen their midfield options this summer.

Guimaraes has been identified as a target for Arsenal for some time, and there have been various reports claiming to provide updates on the 28-year-old’s future and a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Football.london understands that Arsenal have had an opening offer for Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle, with the Gunners believed to be readying a second offer for the Brazilian.

It’s believed that Newcastle are seeking a fee closer to £80million for Guimaraes, with his contract at St James’ Park set to expire in the summer of 2028.

With Arsenal still pushing to sign Guimaraes, they would have the opportunity to hand the midfielder his dream shirt number should a move to north London materialise.

Guimaraes currently wears the No.39 for Newcastle, and the same number is available at Arsenal should he sign for them. The number was previously worn by Harrison Dudziak, who left the club earlier this summer.

The Magpies star has worn the No.39 across his playing career at club level, including at his former clubs, Lyon and Athletico Paranaense.

Guimaraes has previously explained why the No.39 means so much to him, with the Newcastle star revealing that a close connection to his father is the reason behind his choice.

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“The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say. 39,” Guimaraes wrote for The Players’ Tribune back in 2023.

“I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical.

“The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.

“#039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro.”

He added: “For me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life.”

As widely reported elsewhere, Guimaraes is currently en route to Spain, where he will link up with his Newcastle teammates for the first time for pre-season following his involvement with Brazil for this summer’s World Cup.

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