The Gunners are closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window. According to The Athletic, playmaker Fabio Vieira will join from FC Porto after the two clubs agreed a 35 million euros fee – plus five million in add-ons – for the transfer.
The North London club moved swiftly to close the deal with the Portuguese champions while also agreeing to personal terms with the player on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old has traveled to London to undergo a medical examination – expected to take place on Friday – and will subsequently pen a contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Vieira had a 50 million euros release clause negotiated in his contract when he renewed his terms with the Dragoes in 2021. However, Arsenal managed to secure a deal for a lower fee, despite the Portuguese giants being under no obligation to sell him immediately, given his contract runs until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The versatile playmaker has been a member of the Porto senior squad since the 2020/21 season when he was called up from the reserves by manager Sergio Conceicao.
In the two years that have elapsed – plus a handful of cameos the season before – Vieira has played 75 games for the club and scored 10 goals. His 2021/22 campaign was by far his most productive individually; the youngster scored seven in 39 and provided 16 assists as Porto won the league title.
Vieira will become Arsenal’s second summer signing, barring any late hitches. Earlier, the Gunners have roped in Brazilian winger Marquinhos from Sao Paulo. They had also arranged the transfer of United States of America international Matt Turner last January, with the custodian expected to replace the outgoing Bernd Leno as Aaron Ramsdale’s backup.
However, the North Londoners haven’t finished yet. There have been reports of their interest in Manchester City hitman Gabriel Jesus and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
