Arsenal close to sealing the signing of Porto attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira for around €40million
Follow Us
The 22-year-old has just enjoyed a breakout year at the club level, racking up six goals and 14 assists in 27 appearances, statistics which are already impressive before you consider that he managed that in just 15 starts. A number of sides had taken a liking to Vieira but sources close to both clubs have now confirmed that it is Arsenal who are set to win the race for his signature.
Vieira comes with a €50m release clause but Arsenal have negotiated down to an upfront fee of €35m (£30m), with a further €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons. A medical has now been set for the coming hours, with Vieira expected in England imminently.
At 22, Vieira fits the age profile preferred by Arsenal, who have also signed the 19-year-old Brazilian forward Marquinhos, described by the club’s technical director, Edu, as a “player for the future” and the more experienced backup goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to give his side more options in attack it is understood that the Gunners are also readying an approach to Sassuolo over young striker Gianluca Scamacca. Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus is also high on Arteta’s wish list, while Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Everton’s Richarlison have both been scouted.
What makes Fabio Vieira such an intriguing prospect for the Gunners?
Fabio Vieira has spent his entire career at Porto, climbing up the ranks to become a regular in the first team since making his debut two years ago. While he’s yet to be capped by Portugal at the senior level, Vieira has played 20 times for his country’s under-21s and was voted the best player of the finals at the 2021 UEFA European Championships in Hungary and Slovenia.
Vieira finished second in the Liga Portugal assist charts last year but also flashed a real eye for goal at the Under-21 level for his country, netting seven times in just eight games during the 2021/22 campaign.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Vieira has filled in on both wings for Portugal but played the vast majority of his minutes in a central role, similar to that in which Martin Odegaard shone for Arsenal last season.
Stay Updated!
Sujeeth Shetty
(766 Articles Published)