Arsenal midfielder Fábio Vieira is set to return to FC Porto on a season-long loan, with the final details of the deal expected to be completed on Tuesday.

Vieira, who has struggled to secure a regular spot in Mikel Arteta’s first team, is anticipated to rejoin the club where he initially rose to prominence before moving to North London in 2022.

FC Porto's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira claps during the Portuguese league football match between FC Arouca and FC Porto at the Municipal de Arouca stadium in Arouca on February 6, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Porto’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira claps during the Portuguese league football match between FC Arouca and FC Porto at the Municipal de Arouca stadium in Arouca on February 6, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

The agreement between Arsenal and Porto has reportedly been finalised, with the Portuguese side agreeing to cover the entirety of Vieira’s wages during the loan period.

This development represents a significant victory for Arsenal, who initially faced the possibility of subsidising a portion of the 24-year-old’s salary.

Instead, they have secured more favourable terms, reducing their financial burden while allowing the player to gain valuable playing time back in his home country.

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)

Vieira’s loan to Porto, however, does not include an option to buy, meaning the Portuguese international is expected to return to Arsenal at the end of the season.

For Porto, the temporary addition of Vieira fills the gap left by the departure of Francisco Conceição, who is on his way to Juventus in a separate loan deal.

Since joining Arsenal in 2022 for €35 million, Vieira has struggled to make a consistent impact, featuring in 49 games with three goals and nine assists across all competitions.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira scores the final penalty in the shoot-out during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira scores the final penalty in the shoot-out during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite moments of promise, the creative midfielder has found it difficult to break into Arsenal’s crowded midfield, often playing a secondary role.

With Arteta preferring established players in his setup, Vieira’s chances have been limited, leading to the decision to seek more regular playing time elsewhere.

For Porto, the return of Vieira is a significant boost.

The 24-year-old previously enjoyed success at the club, making 76 appearances and contributing ten goals and 18 assists between 2020 and 2022.

During that period, he was a key figure in Porto’s midfield as they claimed two league titles.

FC Porto's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira applauds to supporters during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and CD Santa Clara at the Dragao stadium in Porto on April 4, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
FC Porto’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira applauds to supporters during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and CD Santa Clara at the Dragao stadium in Porto on April 4, 2022. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Vieira now has the opportunity to regain his form in more familiar surroundings, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in their push for domestic honours.

The final steps in Vieira’s return to Porto are expected to be completed imminently, with the player poised to travel from London once the clubs give the green light.

This marks a positive outcome for all parties involved: Arsenal offload salary commitments while keeping Vieira within their plans, and Porto reinforce their squad with a player who understands their system.

This latest development also reflects Arsenal’s broader strategy of managing squad depth and player development while staying financially prudent.

Although the North London club will not receive a loan fee for Vieira’s temporary exit, the deal allows them to keep their wage bill under control as they focus on their main targets for the season.

As Vieira prepares for his return to the Estádio do Dragão, all eyes will be on how he re-establishes himself in Portuguese football and whether this move can reignite his career.

For now, the focus remains on getting the deal over the line, with Vieira expected in Porto as early as Tuesday to complete his medical and finalise the move.