LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates with Fabio Vieira following the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

€40m Arsenal signing to return to former club on loan

Aug 24, 2024

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira is poised to return to his former club, Porto, on a season-long loan deal.

The 24-year-old Portuguese playmaker struggled to cement a regular spot in Mikel Arteta‘s squad since his €40 million move from Porto in 2022.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal celebrates with Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal after scoring the team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal celebrates with Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Despite showing glimpses of his talent with 22 Premier League appearances in his debut season, Vieira found game time limited last season, clocking just 292 minutes in the league and 561 minutes across all competition. Injuries played a part, but, even upon returning to fitness, he was unable to break into the first team during Arsenal’s title challenge.

The imminent arrival of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad will further restricted Vieira’s opportunities at the Emirates. A loan move to Porto, where he made his name before joining Arsenal, offers him the chance to gain valuable playing time and reignite his career.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Fabio Vieira #21 of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring a goal against AFC Bournemouth during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) — CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Fabio Vieira #21 of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring a goal against AFC Bournemouth during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Vieira will not be included in Arsenal’s squad for their match against Aston Villa, as the club worked to finalise the loan agreement with Porto.

The midfielder’s time at Arsenal, though limited, saw him contribute one goal and three assists in 15 appearances across all competitions last season and three goals with nine assists in 49 games during his time in London. His last start for the Gunners, however, came in the Carabao Cup in November.

Vieira’s return to Porto is certainly a homecoming. He progressed through the club’s academy and made his senior debut in 2020, going on to score 10 goals and provide 18 assists in 76 appearances.

While the loan move signals a temporary departure from Arsenal, a successful stint at Porto could pave the way for Vieira’s return to North London as a more established and confident player.

Alternatively, it could help increase his value which is now almost half what Arsenal paid for him at €22m.