Mikel Arteta Reveals Changing Room Message to Bruno Guimarães

Mikel Arteta has revealed he told Bruno Guimarães he can reach 'another level', after the midfielder's display in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Hull City.

Martin Ødegaard's second-half strike was enough to secure all three points at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, as the Gunners edged past Hull to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League.

Speaking after the match, Arteta was full of praise for Guimarães, but made clear he believes the Brazilian still has more to give.

'He's much better, he had a massive impact, he's hitting serious levels now, but we can still take him to another level,' Arteta said. 'That's my conviction. I told him that in the dressing room. He owned a lot of moments in the game, but there is still much more to come.'

The 28-year-old arrived in north London from Newcastle United in the summer, having established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent midfielders during his time at St James' Park, where he captained the side to historic Carabao Cup glory in 2025.

However, his start to life at the Emirates has not been entirely smooth. Guimarães has largely been part of a midfield rotation alongside Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Arteta admitted earlier in the season that the group had not yet fully gelled.

He also endured a difficult night in last month's Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town, where his penalty was saved in the shootout as Arsenal crashed out of the competition.

With Rice only recently back from a knock and Arsenal facing a busy run of fixtures, Guimarães' growing influence could prove crucial in the months ahead.

The Brazilian was initially used predominantly as a substitute, but has found himself in the starting lineup after impacting off the bench with crucial goals against Sunderland and Leeds United earlier this season.

His qualities are also well suited to Arteta's demands, as the Brazilian is comfortable on the ball, strong in duels and capable of dictating the tempo of a game, attributes that make him a natural fit in a side that dominates possession as often as Arsenal do.

The win over Hull extends Arsenal's unbeaten run in the Premier League, with the Gunners now heading into the international break at the top of the table.

For Guimarães, the message from his manager is clear. He is playing well, but Arteta believes the best is yet to come.

The Brazilian scored for his country in the last international break, and is expected to be called up to travel to Singapore to face Japan next week.

He will then return to club action with a trip to his former home ground, as Arsenal travel to Newcastle in a bid to further cement their place at the Premier League table’s summit.