Arsenal have made the decision to loan out midfielder Fabio Vieira to Porto, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Portuguese has been with the Gunners since the summer of 2022, but he has failed to establish himself as a regular starter.
After two disappointing seasons, the London giants have sanctioned his return to Porto on loan. There won’t be an option to buy.
The Gunners have signed all documents for the temporary switch. Vieira will be undergoing his medical tests on Tuesday (today).
Romano wrote on X: “Fabio Vieira’s loan move to Porto from Arsenal is sealed! All documents have been signed. Arsenal have just authorized Fabio to travel on Tuesday for medical tests. Loan move confirmed, NO buy option.”
Vieira needs regular playing time
Vieira was a huge hit during his final campaign with Porto. The 24-year-old managed 23 goal contributions from just 2,000 minutes in all competitions.
Hence, there was plenty of hype following his surprise move to the Gunners, but the midfielder has not lived up to the expectations amid injuries and competition for places.
Vieira was described as an ‘enormous talent‘ by manager Mikel Arteta in August last year, but he played just 54 minutes in the league in the back end of the 2023/24 season.
His underperformance in training sessions was highlighted as a possible reason. The playmaker now has the opportunity to redeem himself with his boyhood club.
Arsenal paid a huge fee of £30 million to sign him, as per Transfermarkt. A strong season for Vieira with Porto could help the Gunners recoup the sum next summer.
In our opinion, Vieira lacks the physicality to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. He could still emerge as a top-class attacker with consistent playing time.
