Porto are considering a move to re-sign Fabio Vieira from Arsenal during the upcoming summer transfer window. Vieira, who joined the Gunners from Porto in a £30 million deal in 2022, has struggled to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium over the past two years.
The 24-year-old midfielder’s last start for Arsenal came during the 3-1 defeat to West Ham in the Carabao Cup last November. Following that, Vieira made only six more appearances throughout the season, hampered by a groin injury that sidelined him for four months.
Recent reports suggest Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been unimpressed with Vieira’s training performances, casting doubt over the Portuguese midfielder’s future in North London. Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that Porto “dream” of bringing Vieira back this summer, especially as they anticipate the departure of Francisco Conceicao, who is attracting interest from clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
The report further indicates that Vieira is keen to leave Arsenal to secure more playing time. However, a permanent transfer might be challenging due to Porto’s inability to meet Arsenal’s £25.5 million asking price. Consequently, a loan deal seems more likely, with Arsenal possibly covering part of Vieira’s salary.
Vieira, a product of Porto’s academy, previously helped his boyhood club win two Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup, scoring ten goals in 76 appearances. He signed a contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2027 upon his arrival.
Arteta had earlier apologised for Vieira’s limited playing time following a 2-2 draw with Fulham at the start of last season. “Fabio was excellent, and it is the first minutes he’s played in the Premier League this season,” Arteta said.
“I was really impressed with how he wanted the ball, his positivity, the decisions he made, and his attitude. Fabio was involved in everything we created, and I am really happy with that. It is my fault that Fabio has not played more, and today he gave me reasons to play him more.”
