The summer transfer window is fully up and running as Arsenal look to secure what would be their third signing of the window, following the arrivals of Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
football.london understands the club are closing in on a deal to bring FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira to north London which is thought to be worth around £34m. The technically gifted playmaker had been previously linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but it is the Gunners who look set to secure his services.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a standout 2021/22 campaign in Portugal, scoring seven goals and providing an impressive 16 assists despite him not starting every game. Vieira also possesses great versatility and has played in several positions including central midfield, attacking midfield, right-wing and second striker.
READ MORE: 'Serious player' - Arsenal fans react to £34m Fabio Vieira transfer as Edu closes in
Vieira isn't a player who will be familiar to large parts of the Arsenal fanbase, but it soon became clear just how highly regarded he is as Porto fans reacted in disappointment to the news of his departure. Everything we have read, listened to and watched seems very encouraging.
However, in order to find out even more about him, The Arsenal Way spoke to SPORTbible and PortGOAL.net writer, Patrick Ribeiro. When asked what type of player Mikel Arteta would be getting, a very exciting comparison was made.
"I would say if all goes well, if all goes perfectly well according to what Arteta and Edu etc have planned, I could really see Fabio Vieira alongside Odegaard finding his feet and being Arsenal's response to a Kevin De Bruyne or a Bruno Fernandes," Patrick said.
"There's no reason why Arsenal can't aim high with that, and if he's not a Kevin De Bruyne, fine. But if he's anywhere close then I think that's job done. I think he really is that sort of player that you want to give the ball to and you want to see on the ball and make something happen.
"He's very talented and as you say, lots of people wouldn't think twice about calling him the brightest playmaking prospect in Portugal, certainly for his age. He really is someone to keep your eye on."
