Former Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes will return to St James’ Park later this month for the first time since joining Arsenal.

The Brazilian spent four and a half years at Newcastle, captaining the club to its first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup, before opting to quit in the summer following last season’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League.

Guimaraes moved to the reigning English champions in a £75million deal and will return to Tyneside in the first game back after the international break, with his new side sitting six points clear at the top of the table.

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The Gunners extended their lead at the top with a 1-0 win at home to Hull City on Saturday afternoon. At the same time, the Magpies were also in the capital, as they played out a 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Bruno Guimares sends message to former Newcastle United teammate

Guimaraes continues to keep a close eye on his former teammates, and was among those to react to the result at Craven Cottage by sending a message to goalscorer Jacob Murphy on social media.

Murphy put United ahead in the 80th minute with a left-footed strike from distance, but the lead lasted just three minutes as substitute Rodrigo Muniz equalised.

Following the game, Murphy took to Instagram and wrote: “A point in the right direction after a tough week. We have to keep battling together, united as one! Let’s go!!!”

Showing his support for the 31-year-old winger, Guimaraes replied: “My guy, what a goal.”

Bruno Guimaraes on his Newcastle United exit

Guimaraes recently opened up on his decision to leave Newcastle and said: “It was very tough for me to make this decision because I really enjoyed my time at the club, the affection I had for the fans.

“I lost many, many nights of sleep because it was difficult for me, for my family. I never felt so loved like the way I was at Newcastle. I hope I can have the same love here at Arsenal, the connection I had was unbelievable.

“When I said bye to the lads, I was crying. They were crying as well, because we were a family there.”