Transfer Centre

Arsenal closing in on Fabio Vieira signing?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 16 June 2022

Arsenal are allegedly close to securing the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira, beating the likes of Manchester United for his signature.

Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of winning the race to sign Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira.

Ahead of the start of the summer transfer window, the Gunners were linked with a number of potential new additions for the middle of the pitch, including Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves and Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma.

However, it was claimed earlier this week that the latter of those two players was on his way to Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly a blow to Arsenal's transfer plans.

Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League outfit have instead made significant progress in their efforts to strengthen in a troublesome area of the pitch.

Romano claims that Arsenal are willing to pay a fee of €35m (£29.9m), as well as including a number of add-ons which still need to be agreed by Porto.

Fabio Vieira warms up for Porto on October 21, 2020 © Reuters

Furthermore, it is suggested that the Portuguese giants are prepared to accept the offer and that Vieira is happy to move to the Emirates Stadium.

The 22-year-old cannot claim to have been a regular for Porto last season, just 19 of his 35 appearances in all competitions coming from the starting lineup.

However, the playmaker still contributed seven goals and 16 assists, a return which has ultimately led to widespread interest in his signature.

As recently as Wednesday, it was reported in Portugal that Manchester United were contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Vieira, with newly-appointed boss Erik ten Hag eager to add fresh faces to his squad.

Liverpool were also suggested as a potential destination, but it now appears that Mikel Arteta has won the race for the Portugal Under-21 international.

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring their first goal on April 9, 2022 © Reuters

Vieira has spent his career playing in numerous positions, his most familiar role being in an advanced position in the centre of the pitch.

Martin Odegaard occupied a similar space during 2021-22, contributing seven goals and four assists, and it would provide Arteta with genuine quality competition should a deal be finalised.

Vieira is also accustomed to featuring in wide positions, his versatility having the potential to be important with Arsenal having earned a return to European football.

In total, 10 goals and 18 assists have come from his 76 appearances for Porto in all competitions.