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Fabio Vieira’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as his loan spell at FC Porto nears its end.
The 24-year-old midfielder, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024, has shown flashes of brilliance, but questions linger about his role under Mikel Arteta. With Arsenal’s midfield evolving, what lies ahead for the €40m signing?
Vieira’s Porto stint has been a mixed bag. After a slow start marred by injury, he’s notched five goals and four assists in 28 appearances, including a stunning curler against Vitoria Guimaraes.
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Fabio Vieira’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain as his loan spell at FC Porto nears its end. [Image Credit: Getty Images]Portuguese media have praised his creativity, with 14 assists in the 2021-22 Primeira Liga season a reminder of his potential. However, disciplinary issues, such as being dropped for lateness, have raised concerns about his professionalism.
Porto’s president, Andre Villas-Boas, suggested Arsenal still “believe” in Vieira, but reports indicate the Gunners are leaning toward a permanent sale.
At Arsenal, Vieira’s 49 appearances yielded three goals and nine assists, hampered by injuries and inconsistent form. Arteta’s preference for Ethan Nwaneri, a 17-year-old Hale End star, and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly as a future No.8 have pushed Vieira down the pecking order.
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With Martin Odegaard as the chief playmaker and a potential £50m move for Martin Zubimendi looming, Vieira’s path to regular minutes looks blocked.
Porto lack a purchase option, meaning Vieira will return to Arsenal this summer. A Bola reports Arsenal want to recoup the €35m invested in 2022, ruling out another loan.
However, his £44,700 weekly wage and Porto’s financial constraints could complicate a permanent move.
Arteta once hailed Vieira’s “enormous talent,” but Nwaneri’s rise suggests a shift toward youth. Arsenal fans are split—some see a creative spark worth keeping, others a financial loss to cut.
As the summer window approaches, Vieira must prove he’s more than a Porto prodigy to secure his Arsenal future.
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