Arsenal sent attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira on loan to Porto for the season during the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta sanctioned loan exits for four senior players during the summer, with game time needed for those leaving the Emirates.
It wasn’t a shock to see Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares go back out on loan however, more surprise was generated from the exits of Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira.
Both players were in desperate need of regular football having not made an impact in Arteta’s project, with the Arsenal manager deciding to cut ties for the season as Nelson headed to Fulham and Vieira returned to Porto.
Fabio Vieira makes Porto promise following loan from Arsenal
Given that Arteta isn’t blessed with options in central attacking midfield, it was less expected to see Vieira depart during the summer.
The Portuguese forward made only 11 Premier League appearances last season, with a return to his boyhood club Porto thought to be the best option for his development.
Things have only just got going for Vieira on his return to Porto, as the 24-year-old was nursing an injury, making his debut in late September with a 21-minute cameo against Arouca.
- READ MORE: What Arsenal have done to ensure Fabio Vieira succeeds on loan at Porto, it is his final chance
Speaking after the game, the Arsenal loanee made a promise to Porto, as well as explaining his decision to return to the Estadio do Dragao, via O Jogo.
“I’m very happy, to be honest. I came back with the goal of being able to play, to be able to play,” Vieira said.
“I feel very good here, this is my home, with the Porto fans. This is where it all started and now I just have to enjoy it and be happy. I’m going to work hard.”
The Arsenal midfielder sent a subtle message to Arteta by outlining his need to play regularly, something that the boss has not been able to promise Vieira since his arrival in North London in 2022.
Vieira’s future at Arsenal in doubt
While Vieira’s return to Porto is temporary, there’s no guarantee that the midfielder will return to Arsenal with a greater chance to impress.
Even in the instance of a strong loan in Portugal, the evidence suggests that the 24-year-old is not seen as a figure favoured by Arteta, with the player yet to show consistency in the Premier League.
Porto have no option to buy Vieira as a part of the current loan deal, with pressure already mounting for the Portuguese star back in England due to Ethan Nwaneri’s rise.
Should the 17-year-old continue to be handed chances by the manager, the gap for Vieira to reclaim his spot at the Emirates closes, with it set to be a possibly decisive season for both players with regard to their Arsenal careers.
Fortunately, Vieira has returned to the place he calls home at Porto, where the primary task will be to earn minutes and rediscover his form before his Arsenal future is debated.
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