According to The Sun, Bruno Guimarães has revealed a message from Rice when he joined Arsenal for £75 million. The Brazilian international has officially joined Premier League champions Arsenal from his former captain Newcastle United on a four-year contract with an option for a one-year extension.
The 28-year-old Guimarães has already received a welcome from one of the midfielders he has faced countless times in the Premier League.
During the transfer process, Rice sent a simple message to her new partner, which aptly summarized their adversarial relationship in recent years.
Guimarães revealed: "Very good, very good. Rice messaged me: 'Come here, please stop fighting, we are friends now.' I was happy that he messaged me, but in my opinion, the midfield here is one of the best in Europe."
Next, Guimarães will try to establish a strong partnership with Rice in midfield, similar to the partnership he formed with Casemiro in the Brazilian national team in recent years.
Arsenal's Brazilian players have also warmly welcomed him, with Thiago Gabriel and others eagerly anticipating his arrival.
Guimarães added: "Only good news, to be honest. Gabriel is very excited. Every time he messages me, it's 'We're waiting for you, when are you coming?'"
“I’m looking forward to joining them, not just the Brazilian players; we have a very strong squad here. I’m also looking forward to meeting the other players and starting training. I just want to give it my best.”
The deal means Arsenal will pay Newcastle £75 million over 24 months, with no additional terms, and the two sides reached an agreement on Wednesday.
Sporting director Andrea Berta believes that Guimarães will bring strength and leadership as Arteta leads the team in their quest to defend the Premier League title.
Berta said: "We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimarães to the club. Bruno has an excellent mentality and a high level of ability, and he will bring strong leadership to our squad."
"Bruno's arrival has further strengthened the core of our team. As everyone has seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder or an all-around midfielder. He has both quality and coverage, and contributes goals and assists to the team every season."
Guimarães arrived in North London as a popular figure, leading Newcastle to victory over Liverpool in 2025 to lift the League Cup, their first major trophy at Wembley Stadium since 1955.
But his departure occurred during a period of great upheaval at Newcastle. Isak joined Liverpool last year, Tonali moved to Tottenham, and Anthony Gordon went to Barcelona this summer.
Lewis Hall has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Eddie Howe has already left his job as manager, leaving Newcastle facing the loss of several key figures.
For Guimarães, the focus has completely shifted to a new chapter in North London and winning more trophies.
He said, "I feel like I've reached this stage in my life after playing in two World Cups. I need this kind of challenge. I want to win trophies, I want to make history, and I feel like I'm in the perfect place right now."
Arsenal have plenty of options in midfield. Rice and Martin Zubimendy started together for most of last season, helping the team win the league title and reach the later stages of the Champions League. Captain Martin Ødegaard and Spanish World Cup hero Merino are also available options.
Lewis Skelly performed admirably at the end of the 2025/26 season, at one point even starting ahead of Zubimendi. Eze, on the other hand, provided another attacking option.
But Guimarães has now added another heavyweight player to Arteta's central midfield.
The new signing also promised Arsenal fans that he would bring the same fighting spirit that made him so beloved at Newcastle.
Guimarães said, "I feel that I can pass the ball, I can run a lot, and I will play like a warrior. I will never give up."
"I will do my best to help the team, stay calm and composed when handling the ball, and sometimes I can score a few goals. I hope to make everyone here very, very happy."
He concluded by saying to the fans: "What I want to say is thank you for everything you've done for me. I'm really looking forward to joining you all, and I've received so many messages from you."
"I promise I will give it my best. Like I said, I am your warrior, and I will never give up. I hope we can create many, many wonderful memories together."
