Arsenal star’s transfer exit draws a close to Mikel Arteta’s previous recruitment strategy, it speaks volumes

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s activity in the summer transfer window has been far from exciting however, Mikel Arteta’s ambition is clearer than ever.

There are just six days to go until the summer transfer window slams shut, with deadline day fast approaching.

All eyes are on Edu, as Arsenal await the arrival of their second new face of the summer, with Mikel Merino in touching distance. 

While fans might have hoped to see more on the arrivals front in preparation for the 2024/25 campaign, what the club have done in terms of exits speaks volumes.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

What Fabio Vieira’s pending loan exit means for Arsenal

So far, Emile Smith Rowe’s £34m move to Fulham represents the only profitable sale that the Gunners have sanctioned this summer. 

Further departures are poised to happen before deadline day, with Eddie Nketiah linked strongly to Nottingham Forest. 

As well as Nketiah, it’s come to light that Fabio Vieira could take a break from North London, with a return to Porto on loan now on the cards. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal outcast Fabio Vieira agrees loan to former side Porto, but one deal must happen first

Arsenal signed Vieira from Porto in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £34m, a price that is yet to be justified as the 24-year-old has struggled to adapt to the English game. 

A return to Portugal will be good for the midfielder, with his name being pushed into the spotlight only reinforcing how far Arsenal have come.

When revising Arsenal’s signings under Arteta, Vieira’s arrival stands out for one key reason.

Since the attacker touched down in North London, the Gunners’ transfer stance when it comes to acquiring talent has changed, with far more purpose and thought going into those being welcomed to the club.

The captures that have come after Vieira resemble a change in the tide in Edu’s recruitment strategy, with higher calibre and most importantly, lower risk acquisitions.

Mikel Arteta and Edu are pushing Arsenal to the top

Arsenal are being led the way that many yearned for following Arsene Wenger’s glory years, with a period of stagnancy in the transfer market implemented by the Frenchman.

It’s refreshing to see that with the Gunners’ growth on the pitch, the club are doubling up on their improvement behind the scenes, with Edu and Arteta’s approach signalling change for the better.

Vieira may return to Portugal and come back to Arsenal as the player that he was hoped to be, but there’s no denial that his exit has been a long time coming.

High risk signings have since been abolished at the Emirates, with the Portuguese midfielder signalling such turning point.