Former England defender Lee Dixon says Arsenal spending £75 million on Bruno Guimarães demonstrates that Mikel Arteta is looking to retain the Premier League title this season – and possibly go even further.
Brazil playmaker Guimarães will have almost no resale value as he has been signed from Newcastle United in his late 20s.
But former Gunners right-back Dixon believes it shows that Arteta now has the authority to splash the cash, meaning he could spur them on to a league and European double this season.
Dixon also points to the effect Guimarães’ no-holds-barred approach will have in training and rates the Brazilian as an excellent overall signing.
Group bonding
During an exclusive conversation with BestBettingSites, Dixon said of Guimarães, who was involved in some feisty performances against Arsenal while playing for Newcastle: “It’s great – I love it.
“It actually bonds you as a group.
“If there’s someone you didn’t enjoy playing against because he was tough and feisty, having that edge in your team is brilliant.
“He’s had a few run-ins with Arsenal players in the past, but it just adds bite to training.
“Arteta is savvy enough to let that settle naturally.”
Competitive edge
Dixon continued: “Ask Thierry Henry what it was like when he first came to Arsenal.
“We kicked him all over the park in training because that’s how we prepared, and he couldn’t understand it at first.
“Guimarães will bring his normal competitive edge.
“If you don’t stand up for yourself in proper training, you get sorted out quickly.
“That Monday-to-Friday intensity directly carries over to Saturday.”
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Board backing
Dixon moreover feels the signing of Guimarães shows the standing Arteta now has at the club, having delivered the Premier League title last season.
He added on the summer capture: “It required real backing from the board, but Mikel holds immense authority at the club now.
“Even if they hadn’t won the league last season, his job was completely secure.
“The fact that they won the title and reached a Champions League final meant the board were ready to back his vision financially.
“Spending £75 million on a proven performer shows they are purely focused on winning right now.”
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