The Gunners have begun their transfer dealings this summer, with the imminent arrival of FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira expected to be confirmed by the club this week. The Portuguese club confirmed Arsenal reached an agreement for the transfer of Vieira in a deal worth around 35 million pounds.
Vieira is regarded as one of Portugal’s most exciting midfield prospects as he helped Porto to the Primeira Liga title in 2021/22 by notching an impressive 14 assists. The 22-year-old has also captained Portugal at a youth level.
The deal is said to be worth up to 40 million euros, with Vieira set to fly to London to complete his medical and sign a five-year contract with the Gunners.
Vieira has scored seven goals, registered 16 assists in 39 appearances for Porto, and has played in a number of positions, including as a No. 10, a No. 8 and a second striker.
He is yet to make a senior international appearance for Portugal but has featured 20 times for their Under-21s.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Vieira has filled in on both wings for Portugal but played the vast majority of his minutes in a central role, similar to that in which Martin Odegaard shone for Arsenal last season.
Vieira had a release clause of 50 million euros, but sources have confirmed Porto accepted a lower offer from Arsenal and barring any last-minute issues, the deal is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Arsenal began the summer transfer window with the signing of Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, with the arrival of Vieira from Porto imminent. The Gunners are lining up moves for both Jesus and Youri Tielemans as they look to strengthen the squad in key areas ahead of next season.
The Brazilian striker wishes to have his future sorted as quickly as possible, and given the lack of first-team opportunities available at City and Arsenal’s lack of strikers, a deal for Jesus to move to North London looks like a matter of time.
The Gunners have been linked with the out-of-favour Brazilian for much of the summer so far, with Erling Haaland’s arrival at the Etihad placing his future in serious doubt after six years on the blue side of Manchester.
Jesus is eager to move to the Emirates and is keen to work with manager Mikel Arteta again. The pair worked together at the Etihad when Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager and had a good understanding.
