Arsenal Bench Bruno Guimaraes After Slow Start in London

On October 10, 2026, Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was left out of the starting lineup after a difficult opening spell following his £75m transfer from Newcastle United, with Mikel Arteta choosing Myles Lewis-Skelly instead.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Arsenal paid £75m to sign the Brazil international in August 2026 after Newcastle United initially resisted a lower offer. Guimaraes had been Newcastle captain before moving to London.

The midfielder did not start Arsenal's first five Premier League and Champions League matches, according to sports.yahoo.com. He later started away against Brighton but was substituted after Brighton moved 3-0 ahead in the 57th minute.

According to paininthearsenal.com, leaving Guimaraes on the bench against Leeds was viewed as a selection decision based on recent performances rather than a punishment. The report said Lewis-Skelly had earned more opportunities through his displays.

Chris Waddle discussed Guimaraes' adjustment to Arsenal during the international break.

"I think Bruno Guimaraes will do well to keep his shirt in the team. Arsenal have a very high level. He is a good player.

Obviously we know how he plays, he carries the ball, brings good energy, and gets around the park. But at Newcastle he was the main man in a way, and he had a lot of confidence and belief. He's not guaranteed a starting spot at Arsenal, so that'll be a little bit difficult for him to accept.

I'm sure if he gets in and plays the way he can, he'll keep his place. But I thought it was a surprising move for Arsenal to bring him in," said Chris Waddle.

Waddle also assessed the competition Guimaraes faces in Arsenal's midfield, where he is competing with established players including Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

"I think Bruno Guimaraes is a good player but I wouldn't put him up there as a must-buy. I think Newcastle fans liked him and he did a job for them, you can't say he didn't. But he'll do well to keep a permanent starting shirt at Arsenal. To be the first name picked in midfield alongside Declan Rice and in there with Martin Odegaard, he's going to have to play exceptionally well," said Chris Waddle.

According to paininthearsenal.com, Guimaraes remains a valuable option from the bench because his work rate and ability to handle pressure can still contribute when Arsenal face tiring opponents.

The report added that Lewis-Skelly's ability to carry the ball forward made him the preferred choice for the Leeds match, while Guimaraes continues to compete for a regular starting role.