CARSON, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Fabio Vieira #21 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against AFC Bournemouth during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024 in Carson, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Arsenal has began the Premier League season in a commendable manner, securing 2-0 triumphs over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.
Riccardo Calafiori made his first appearance for the Gunners at Villa Park. The Italian defender is the sole outfield acquisition made by the team throughout the summer.
Arsenal is on the verge of finalising the signing of midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, which is anticipated to align with a player leaving the club.
As reported in today’s edition of O Jogo, Fabio Vieira is expected to return to Porto on a loan basis, without the possibility of a purchase option.
The Primeira Liga giants will not incur any charges for the temporary transfer, but they have agreed to assume his weekly wage of £45,000 until the end of June.
Arsenal have made a judicious decision by appointing Vieira.
The Gunners made an unexpected acquisition of the 24-year-old player from Porto two years ago. Despite his promising record upon joining the club, he has been unable to substantiate his credentials.
The Portuguese player has encountered difficulties in adjusting to the physical demands of the Premier League, and his hopes of securing a consistent position have been further hindered by injuries.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised him as an exceptionally skilled player following his outstanding performance as a substitute against Fulham last season, but he had limited playing time in the latter part of the year.
According to reports, Arteta was hesitant to play him because he did not perform well in training.
Arsenal have made a prudent choice to return him to Porto, where he had an outstanding performance during his successful debut season in 2021/22, contributing to 23 goals in 2,000 minutes of play.
If he can regain his previous level of performance and self-assurance, there is a strong likelihood that the Gunners will be able to recover the £30 million they spent on his services in the upcoming summer transfer window.
