Arsenal are back in business with all guns blazing and have already reached an agreement with Porto for Fabio Vieira as confirmed by the Portuguese heavyweights (cited by Sky Sports). The midfield attacker becomes their third summer arrival, after young Brazilian winger Marquinhos from Sao Paolo and USMNT custodian Matt Turner.
The Gunners staged a fightback under Mikel Arteta, overcoming a dreadful start but bottled a ‘top-four finish following successive defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United towards the closure of the previous campaign. Although Champions League football helps lure in top talents, the North Londoners are leaving no stones unturned to restore the lost pride before it gets too late to recover.
Vieira, a Portugal youth international, grabbed the attention for his stellar show in the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Esperanças were defeated by Germany U21 in the final, but the 22-year-old ‘number 10’ became the Player of the Tournament for his immense impact both in midfield and the attacking third.
The latest Arsenal recruit progressed through the academy ranks of Porto before breaking into the first-team squad a couple of years ago. While gaffer Sérgio Conceição was deploying him sporadically during his teenage days, the young ace developed his game with Porto B concurrently in the second-tier of Portuguese football. He eventually went on to make 39 senior appearances this season with 7 goals and 16 assists across competitions.
Why Arsenal Are Showing The Right Intent
The Gunners, meanwhile, have Martin Ødegaard, who holds a similar profile. Emile Smith Rowe has flourished of late as an attacking midfielder, yet the signing of Vieira for £30m (plus £4m addons) depicts their intent and urge to reclaim a place among the elites of Europe. They are roping in prospects who have a high ceiling as well as top-end potential, and this transfer strategy should help them meet long-term objectives drawing an end to years of despair.
Along with these promising rising sensations, Arsenal are also closing in on Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus. The pair have proven their worth in the Premier League circuit and should continue to do so in the coming days under the tutelage of the Spaniard. Jesus enjoyed a productive spell at Manchester City, but a move to the Emirates would hand him a central role, particularly after Alexandre Lacazette‘s return to his boyhood club Lyon. Tielemans must operate in a box-to-box role and offer his creative spark from the centre of the pitch; also, the former Porto prodigy must exhibit his flexibility to settle in and deliver in new surroundings.
