Gary Neville believes the ‘brilliant’ signing of Bruno Guimaraes has already ‘secured Arsenal the Premier League title’.
Mikel Arteta’s side are bidding to retain their Premier League title after being crowned champions of England for the first time since 2004 last season.
Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes completed a £75m move to the Emirates Stadium earlier in the month after ending his four-year spell at Newcastle United.
Guimaraes, who has 48 caps for Brazil, helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup during his stint at St James’ Park.
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Manchester United legend and ex-England defender Neville has praised the ‘brilliant’ signing of Guimaraes and says it only reinforces his belief that Arsenal will retain the Premier League trophy.
The Gunners kick-start their title defence on Friday night when newly-promoted Coventry City, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, visit the Emirates Stadium.
‘I would have backed Arsenal for the Premier League anyway but I think the Bruno Guimaraes signing just secures the title for Arsenal,’ Neville said on The Overlap.
‘I love him, he’s a massive, massive character and personality. I think that’s a massive addition.
‘The Guimaraes signing is massive, he’s a brilliant player. To get him from Newcastle United for £75m, that’s a big signing.’
The arrival of Guimaraes has left Arsenal with arguably the best midfield in world football, with Arteta already able to call upon the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Asked about the strength of Arsenal’s midfield ahead of the new season, World Cup winner Merino added: ‘Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football.
‘The amount of quality that we have there, with every player that can come on the pitch and make a good shift. It’s great.
‘That’s good for the team. That’s good for the squad. It raises everyone’s level because if you have a bad day, the one that is close to you is going to do a great job.
‘I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Not because we won it last season, we’re going to be happy with it.
‘We want more and more and more and we want every trophy possible. That’s the best quality of this team. Not only the amount of depth that we have, the quality that we have in every position, but that hunger.’
Discussing Guimaraes specifically, Merino added: ‘Amazing signing. He has proved throughout these years how good he is at Newcastle.
‘He showed it in pre-season as well. A lot of composure, technical ability, a lot of defensive effort as well.
‘So it’s a very good signing. A top player, but we have many of those in this team. So everyone that comes to help the team is welcome.’
Guimaraes followed Greek winger Christos Tzolis and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier to Arsenal this summer, while Piero Hincapie also put pen to paper on a permanent contract.
Arteta is now set to welcome England defender Ezri Konsa to the Premier League champions after Arsenal agreed a £51m deal with Aston Villa.
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