Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer said in an interview that after signing Guimaraes, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may have assembled the best midfield combination in the world.

According to British media reports, Arsenal is set to officially announce the signing of Guimaraes after breaking through negotiations with Newcastle United for £75 million.

Shearer said: "Arsenal have signed a top player in Guimaraes, there's no doubt about that. They've signed a player who is comfortable on the ball under pressure and can deliver a killer pass. His attitude is also excellent, as we've seen at Newcastle United. So, there's no doubt he will improve the team. I think with Rice, Odegaard, and Guimaraes, it's hard to find a better midfield combination."

Shearer admitted he was "very disappointed" by Guimaraes' decision to leave Newcastle United, but "understood" his desire to join Arsenal.

Shearer said: "From my perspective, there are two views. First, I'll speak from a Newcastle United fan's perspective, having watched him for four or five years. I'm disappointed because I've witnessed his magical moments, seen how excellent he is, and how he changes games. I've seen him kiss the badge, interact with fans, be appointed captain, and heard him say how much he loves this club. So from that perspective, yes, I'm very disappointed.

"But from a professional standpoint and as a football insider, I completely understand. He'll be 29 in a few months, and he's moving to a championship-winning team. He's seen the manager leave, seen Isak leave, seen Gordon leave, and Tonali leave too.

"This club is very different now than it was 12 or 18 months ago. In general, my consistent view is that if someone wants to leave, let them go. And he didn't handle it in the wrong way; I think he handled it correctly.

"So, from a player's perspective, I can understand. It's just from a fan's perspective—when we see someone kiss the badge and what that means to him, we're all touched, aren't we?

"But I think every time he put on the black and white shirt, you couldn't complain about his attitude, you couldn't complain about his professionalism. With my professional mind, I understand why he wants to move to a championship-winning team."

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