Fabio Vieira is set to make a highly anticipated return to Portugal today, with the Arsenal midfielder expected to touch down at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport at 11 am local time.

The 24-year-old will undergo a medical at Estádio do Dragão before being officially unveiled as an FC Porto player on a season-long loan.

The move marks his return to the club where he made his name before transferring to Arsenal in 2022.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Porto have agreed to take on Vieira’s full salary of €1.5 million net for the duration of the loan, a significant outlay but one the club is willing to shoulder as they aim to strengthen their midfield options.

Additionally, Arsenal could earn a €500,000 bonus if Porto clinch the Primeira Liga title this season.

There is no option to buy included in the deal, meaning Vieira is expected to return to Arsenal at the end of the campaign, where he remains contracted until 2027.

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)

Vieira’s return has generated considerable excitement among Porto fans, who remember his impressive contributions during the 2020/21 season when he scored seven goals and provided 16 assists.

The midfielder is likely to take the number 10 shirt, a symbolic return after Francisco Conceição vacated it upon his transfer to Juventus.

For Arsenal, the loan move offers Vieira regular playing time, something he struggled to secure in North London since his £35 million transfer from Porto.

Despite showing flashes of potential, he was largely limited to substitute appearances under Mikel Arteta, who opted to reinforce the squad with new signings in midfield this summer.

Porto manager Vítor Bruno will be pleased to have Vieira back, but the club’s transfer business is not yet concluded.

With the Portuguese transfer window closing in less than a week, attention has now shifted to reinforcing the defence. Porto have been left short at the back following the departures of Fábio Cardoso and David Carmo, coupled with the retirement of veteran centre-back Pepe.

While negotiations are ongoing for left-back Francisco Moura from Famalicão, no agreement has been reached, leaving the Porto hierarchy scrambling to find solutions before the deadline.

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)

For now, the focus remains on Vieira’s return and what he can offer Porto as they chase domestic and European success this season.

His creativity and vision in the final third could be crucial for Vítor Bruno’s side, who have started the season with mixed performances.

However, the expectations are high, and the Dragons will be looking for Vieira to rekindle the form that made him one of Portugal’s most promising young talents.

As Porto push forward with their transfer plans, it’s clear that Vieira’s arrival is a significant step in their squad-building process, but by no means the final piece in their puzzle.