Arteta: Guimarães can take Arsenal to the next level
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described Bruno Guimarães as a "warrior" possessing high technical quality, intuition, leadership, and charisma, stating the Brazilian midfielder can provide "something different" and elevate the team to a new level. The 28-year-old was introduced to supporters ahead of Sunday's Emirates Cup match against Borussia Dortmund. He has signed a four-year deal following his £75m transfer from Newcastle, bolstering a midfield that already includes Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze. Speaking to the club's website, Arteta said: "You can see the immediate reaction. I think he describes himself as a warrior. Along with that, he has incredible quality, intuition, leadership, and charisma that will help us. He really brings something different to the team and will push everyone to improve; that is the type of player we need." Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League title last season after three consecutive runners-up finishes, lost 3-2 to Dortmund. Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyökeres scored for Arsenal, while Samuel Ignaccolo, Konstantinos Kartsas, and Joan Gado netted for the German side. Arsenal won the pre-planned post-match penalty shootout 5-4. Arteta expressed disappointment with the result, noting that his team was "unrecognisable" at times, particularly regarding set-pieces and defensive timing. However, he praised the team's positive attacking combinations and creation of numerous chances, noting that a lack of precision in the final pass prevented them from capitalising on open opportunities. Martin Ødegaard made his first pre-season appearance following the World Cup, and the full squad is set to return to training on Monday. In other action, Manchester City concluded their Asian pre-season tour with a 3-1 victory over Atlético Madrid. Omar Marmoush scored twice in three second-half minutes, with substitute Rayan Aït-Nouri adding a third in stoppage time, overturning a first-half deficit in front of over 50,000 spectators at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca praised the performance of his wingers. Antoine Semenyo provided the assist for Marmoush, finishing the tour with four assists in three matches, while Savinho also impressed on the opposite flank. Maresca stated that City must be "more clinical" in converting chances, adding that the presence of Erling Haaland would make the team more dangerous. He also expressed satisfaction with his first three matches since succeeding Pep Guardiola, a period that included a draw and penalty shootout loss to Inter, and victories over the K-League XI and Atlético Madrid.