The London club adds another dominant, well-rounded player to its midfield. The deal was completed for €87.5 million.

Since the Brazilian midfielder arrived in the Premier League, no player has won more duels or drawn more fouls than him.

He brings balance to the midfield, is technically gifted, and also poses a threat going forward. Last season, he posted the best numbers of his career.

He capped it off with an excellent World Cup. He was the tournament’s second-highest assist provider and had the second-best assists-per-game average, behind only Olise.

As a youngster, nerves and stress would overwhelm him before games, even causing stomach problems. He overcame them and now plays with tremendous confidence and authority.

His early years were far from easy. He came through the academy at Audax, a modest Brazilian club, where rats roamed the facilities.

His performances saw him rise quickly. He won trophies with Athletico Paranaense and caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Atlético Madrid even secured a first-refusal option on him.

He made his Brazil debut in 2020. In August 2021, he won Olympic gold, beating Spain, his paternal grandmother’s homeland, in the final.

In 2022, he joined Newcastle as the first marquee signing of the club’s new Saudi ownership. Now, he is the last of their big-name stars to leave.

His shirt number with the Gunners will be 39, the same number he has worn throughout his career. It was his father’s taxi number, and he wears it as a tribute to his hard work and sacrifice.