Arsenal have reportedly secured a significant concession in the negotiations for Fábio Vieira’s loan move to FC Porto, with the Portuguese club now set to cover the midfielder’s wages in full.

This update comes after initial reports suggested that Arsenal would share the financial burden of Vieira’s salary during his loan spell.

However, according to O Jogo, which initially reported on Saturday that Arsenal would be responsible for part of his wages, the London club has since gained a more favourable agreement.

CHICO AT JUVENTUS AND FABIO IS ALMOST Turin club pay € 7m loan fee and three more should they qualify for Champions League No purchase option O Jogo25 Aug 2024 Fábio Vieira should be the next reinforcement of FC Porto Dragons pay the wages of the midfielder who arrives on loan from Arsenal. We just need to get some details right. Extreme is expected today in Italy to carry out medical examinations. Fábio Vieira comes in, Francisco ● ● ● Conceição leaves, both until the end of the season. Let's go in parts. FC Porto and Arsenal are finalizing the final details of the agreement for the midfielder to return to Dragão on a loan without a purchase option and that does not motivate the payment of any fee. However, portistas will assume the entire wages of Fábio Vieira, since these are within the levels that the club can afford. The player,who was no longer summoned to yesterday's meeting ofgunners, is in London waiting for the green light to travel to Porto, from where he left in 2022 in exchange for 35 million euros fixed, with another 5 million euros in variables. In the opposite direction, Francisco Conceição is still expected today in Turin to perform medical examinsafter the youth has reached the claims of FC Porto, which will immediately receive seven million euros in loan fee until the end of the season, to which is added another three million in May 2025in the event that the “vecchia signora” qualifies for the next edition of the Champions League. Chico then returns home because, as the game progressed yesterday, the deal does not include any option to buy out the Dragons as Juventus have tried in recent days to have a buy-out clause added. The blue and white structure believes that spending a season away from the Dragon can help to calm the environment around the player because when he returns Francisco will be 22 years old, that is, still with his whole career ahead. In addition, as we have also advanced, the winger will not be entitled to receive any money for this deal despite having remained in possession of 20% of his pass, following the renewal of the contract made in April still in force of Pinto da Costa. This is because the prerogative is only valid in a definitive transfer and not in a temporary assignment. FC Porto will also save around€ 2m from the Portuguese international's wage bill this season.
CHICO AT JUVENTUS AND FABIO IS ALMOST
Turin club pay € 7m loan fee and three more should they qualify for Champions League No purchase option – O Jogo 25 August 2024

The latest information indicates that Vieira is expected to return to Porto on a season-long loan without a purchase option.

The decision for Porto to assume the full wage package of the 23-year-old represents a key win for Arsenal in the negotiations, reducing their financial obligations while allowing Vieira to gain valuable playing time back at his former club.

Vieira’s wages are reportedly within a range that Porto can afford, enabling the deal to progress without the complications initially expected.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JULY 24: Fabio Vieira #21 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by teammates 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 is congratulated by teammates 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)

The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Porto in 2022 for €35 million with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons, has struggled to secure a consistent spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Now, the Portuguese international is set to return to familiar surroundings, with the final details of the deal expected to be completed imminently.

Vieira, who was left out of Arsenal’s squad this weekend, is currently in London awaiting the final “green light” to travel to Porto.

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)
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)

This update contrasts with earlier reports by O Jogo, highlighting how Arsenal managed to secure a better deal than initially anticipated. By ensuring Porto takes on all of Vieira’s wages, Arsenal have minimised their financial exposure in this loan arrangement.

However, O Jogo also report that Arsenal will not receive a fee of any kind for the loan.

Meanwhile, Porto will be sending Francisco Conceição to Juventus on loan.

Conceição is expected in Turin today (Sunday) for his medical, with Juventus agreeing to pay €7 million for the loan and a further €3 million if they qualify for the Champions League next season.

Despite attempts from Juventus to include a purchase option, Porto have resisted, instead focusing on Conceição’s development away from the intense scrutiny of the Dragão.

For Vieira, the loan provides a chance to recapture the form that earned him his move to Arsenal, while for Porto, it strengthens their midfield as they push for silverware this season.