As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes are on Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira, with Olympique de Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, showing keen interest in securing a loan deal for the midfielder.
Pablo Longoria, president of Olympique de Marseille (OM), is reportedly keen on securing a winter loan deal in 2024 for Fabio Vieira from Arsenal.
This news comes as the London club deliberates internally over the potential loan of the 23-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder.
Vieira, who joined Arsenal from Porto in the summer of 2022, has found it challenging to secure a regular spot in Mikel Arteta‘s starting eleven.
His situation at Arsenal has sparked interest from OM, a club that has successfully negotiated loan deals with the Gunners for players like William Saliba, Matteo Guendouzi, Sead Kolasinac, and Nuno Tavares.
The latest rumours suggest that Vieira could be the next player on the move to OM, as reported by sources like The Tribune OM and Minute OM.
This speculation has been further fuelled by updates from renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who noted that Arsenal have yet to green-light Vieira’s loan.
The report from La Tribune Olympienne late last week indicated that OM’s interest in Vieira stems from his limited playing time at Arsenal. The club is reportedly considering a loan move for the midfielder this winter.
However, Romano has cautioned that it is too early to draw any conclusions.
Arsenal, who are yet to make decisions on players potentially leaving in January, are currently assessing Vieira’s situation.
Notably, Vieira has had a mixed run of form lately. He made a positive impact by winning and converting a penalty against Sheffield United and providing an assist against West Ham United. However, a subsequent red card in a match against Burnley has led to a suspension, sidelining him for upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Wolves, and Luton Town.
He remains eligible for the Champions League.
Following his red card, Vieira played for Arsenal’s under-21 team in an EFL Trophy game, where he scored a penalty but also missed one.
As for OM, they are currently without a director, with Mehdi Benatia expected to take up the role shortly. Consequently, any negotiations for Vieira are unlikely to commence before Benatia’s confirmation.
This situation places Pablo Longoria in a reported state of ‘suspense’, as he waits for Arsenal’s decision on Vieira’s potential loan.
The outcome will likely influence OM’s strategy for the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, Vieira will focus on his performance in the remaining games before the window opens, aiming to strengthen his case for more playing time, whether at Arsenal or potentially on loan at OM or elsewhere.