Fabrizio Romano has told CaughtOffside that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants to sign FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira for the Gunners.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has reported that Arsenal will announce the signing of Vieira from Portuguese club Porto imminently.
We already know that Porto have announced that the 22-year-old midfielder is moving to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Romano has said that Arsenal have been monitoring the Portuguese youngster for a while, and that manager Mikel Arteta’s opinion on the midfielder was decisive in Technical Director Edu getting the deal done.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta likes Fabio Vieira
The journalist told CaughtOffside: “The announcement for Fabio Vieira at Arsenal is imminent, the deal is set to be completed for €35m plus €5m add-ons. Fabio will sign for five years.
“It is a deal strongly wanted by manager Mikel Arteta because he is convinced that the Portuguese youngster can be a key player for the present and future of the club.
“You can see from the way he plays that he has quality on the ball, and great intelligence. In my opinion, this is going to prove to be a shrewd piece of business.
“I think we’re seeing a good transfer strategy coming together at Arsenal: there is always great harmony with the ideas of the director Edu Gaspar.
“The scouting department had been monitoring him for more than a year, but Arteta’s opinion was decisive in completing the deal quickly.
“There was an Italian big club interested, but there was never an official offer. Arsenal’s interest was strongest, and they’ve moved quickly to get it done. Not long to wait now, Arsenal fans.”
Good signing
In our view, FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira would be a good signing for Arsenal, not just for now, but for years to come as well.
Former Porto youth coach Manuel Tulipa told Agencia Lusa in May 2022 that “Vieira is special, as he can see everything”.
The 22-year-old has won the Portuguese league twice with FC Porto and is very experienced.
Vieira made 15 starts and 12 substitute appearances in the Portuguese league last season.
The youngster scored six goals and gave 14 assists in those games.
The 22-year-old also gave one assist in three Europa League matches and provided one assist in two Champions League games for Porto last season.
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