Arsenal have reportedly agreed to an innovative loan fee structure for Fábio Vieira that implies Mikel Arteta still sees a future for him at the club.

Although Arsenal have yet to confirm the loan, the 24-year-old Portuguese international arrived on Tuesday at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto on a private jet from Alicante, accompanied by his girlfriend.

He was welcomed by Porto’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and football director Jorge Costa, who were on hand to present him with the revered number 10 shirt.

JERSEY 10 IS ALREADY SCALLOP Creative loaned by Arsenal landed in the Invicta early yesterday afternoon, where Jorge Costa and Zubizarreta entrusted him with the mythical number Record28 Aug 2024 Return. Creativo arrived with his girlfriend and had two of the strong men of the port structure waiting and still some fans, to whom he waved There's Fabio Vieira! It was about 15 minutes past midday yesterday when the Argoncilhe playmaker landed at Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport on a private jet from Alicante, Spain. Waiting for him was Andoni Zubizarreta, sporting director of FC Porto, Jorge Costa, director for football, and a 10 shirt of the club that he will represent until the end of this season. The signing will only take place today, although the Dragons have already published photographs of the player on arrival. Greeted by some fans who were near the VIP gate of the airport, Fábio Vieira already waved the blue and white jersey that he will wear this season dressed. And it could hardly carry a more mythical number. The’ 10', which was Francisco Conceição's in 2023/24, will remain in the hands of the player who came precisely to replace him, being also a product of FC Porto's training schools and one of the most cherished of the fans. Basically, entrusting the 10 jersey to Fábio Vieira also proves the high expectations that the port officials place on the return of the player who belongs to the Arsenal cadres. And, speaking of the’ gunners', it is worth detailing the contours of Fábio Vieira's loan to FC Porto until the end of this season. As already reported, the loan does not include any purchase option for the Dragons, and there is an amount to be paid depending on the use of the player. According to record, this amount is being reduced as Fábio Vieira is used, that is, the more he plays, the less the Dragons pay, and may not even pay anything. In addition, SAD portista will have to disburse 500 thousand euros if the season ends with the conquest of the national championship. Take aim at the lion With the official announcement scheduled only for today, Fábio Vieira spent yesterday afternoon completing the indispensable medical examinations. It will not be surprising if he is present at training this morning, where the group under Vítor Bruno will continue to prepare for the visit to the Sporting ground. Despite not having made any minutes for Arsenal in official games this season, Fábio Vieira was used by Mikel Arteta in several of the preseason particulars and arrives at the Dragon with physical indexes close to his best, not least because he has been away from the injuries that bothered him at various stages of his career. Therefore, if Vítor Bruno understands, he may be called up for Saturday's Classic, although it is not at all expected that he will be part of the initial options. But, as a weapon to come from the bank, it will always be an asset to take into account, not only for the inherent quality, but also for the surprise factor. GUNNERS TO RECEIVE DWINDLING FUNDS OVER USE OF MIDFIELDER BY DRAGONS
Record 28 August 2024

The financial details of Vieira’s loan from Arsenal to Porto caught my attention, especially given the unusual fee structure agreed upon by both clubs.

Unlike a traditional loan deal, this agreement is heavily performance-based, but not in the way you’d expect.

According to Wednesday’s edition of Record, Porto’s financial obligation to Arsenal reduces as Vieira accumulates more playing time.

In simple terms, the more minutes Vieira spends on the pitch, the less Porto will have to pay Arsenal while they also cover Vieira’s wages in full.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports that there are penalty clauses in the deal should Vieira fail to play 50% of their matches

This arrangement is clearly designed to incentivise Porto to play Vieira as much as possible, ensuring that the midfielder receives consistent minutes to prove himself.

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)

The absence of a purchase option seems to hint at Arsenal’s intent to reintegrate Vieira into their plans after the loan period, assuming he meets the club’s expectations during his time in Portugal.

Alternatively, the cynical view is they want him to improve his value ahead of a sale next season.

Additionally, the agreement includes a clause requiring Porto to pay an extra €500,000 if they secure the league title at the end of the season.

Despite not featuring in any official matches for Arsenal this season, Vieira impressed during the pre-season. His immediate return to Porto is seen as a key opportunity for him to gain the minutes and experience needed to continue his development.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira (2nd 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 (2nd 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 (2nd 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)

Vieira’s arrival at Porto comes at a crucial time as they prepare for an important match against Sporting CP this weekend.

Although he has just completed his medical, there is speculation that he could be included in the matchday squad for the match. While it is unlikely that he will start, Vieira’s presence on the bench could offer Vítor Bruno a valuable tactical option, particularly given Vieira’s creativity and ability to change the dynamics of a game.

As Vieira settles back into life in Porto, wearing their number 10 shirt will serve as a constant reminder of the expectations and responsibilities that come with it.

With the support of Porto’s management and fans, Vieira has a prime opportunity to prove himself once again, potentially paving the way for a successful return to Arsenal next summer.

The number 10 shirt, vacated this summer by Emile Smith Rowe, could just be waiting for him there, too.