Arsenal are likely to let Fabio Vieira leave the club this summer, but finances could be an issue in any transfer exit, Arsenal Insider understands.
The Portuguese playmaker joined Arsenal in 2022 from Porto, with a fee worth £34million paid to land him.
There was some hope that Fabio Vieira would develop into a bargain signing, capable of reaching the very top and competing for a place in the team under Mikel Arteta.
It hasn’t quite worked out that way for the 24-year-old though, who has struggled to make an impact in the years he has been at the Emirates Stadium.
That has seen Vieira shipped out on loan back at his former club Porto, where he has since impressed and continues to show his best form.
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Arsenal open to Fabio Vieira transfer exit but finances are a problem
Fabio Vieira has managed to find his best form again while on loan at Porto, scoring some big goals in recent games.
The Portuguese media have raved about Vieira’s performances, underlining the impact he has had on the side as they chase down a Champions League place.
With just a few months remaining of that loan, the playmaker now faces a tough decision on his future in the transfer window.
TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey spoke to Arsenal Insider about all the latest on the future of Fabio Vieira and the issues that could prevent a transfer.
He said: “Never say never with Arsenal, because they always say they still like Fabio Vieira and they’re a big fan of his.
“He never fulfilled any sort of potential there and he’s obviously not going to be a cheap option so when it comes to Porto and the Portuguese clubs that don’t spend huge money but if they do then it’s tough because Vieira has got a big Premier League contract as well.
“I don’t see him back at Arsenal really but it depends on his contract and what they can get out of it.”
It remains to be seen whether Porto or any other teams will be looking to get back into the mix for Vieira in the summer transfer window.
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Champions League qualification could be key for Arsenal transfer
While Arsenal are looking to qualify for the Champions League through their Premier League finish, their hope of landing a fee for Vieira could depend on Porto getting into the competition too.
The side currently sit third in the Liga Portugal, with only the top two getting a shot at qualification for the top European competition.
The gap between Benfica in second and Porto in third in six points – while the former also has a game in hand over their rivals.
It means that Porto need to start winning more games quickly while hoping that Benfica drop points along the way.
Should that happen, then the extra Champions League money could go a long way towards sealing a deal for Vieira.
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