Arsenal are closely monitoring the progress of Fábio Vieira during his loan spell at FC Porto, with the midfielder impressing in recent weeks.
According to O JOGO, representatives from Arsenal were present at Estádio do Dragão during Porto’s 2-0 victory over Estrela da Amadora, where Vieira delivered another standout display.
PORTO, PORTUGAL: Fábio Vieira of FC Porto looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between FC Porto and FC Midtjylland at Estadio do Dragao on December 12, 2024. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has begun to find his form, registering an assist from a corner within the opening 12 minutes of the match.
This marked his third goal contribution in his last four games, a marked improvement after a slow start to the season that also involved being injured. Beyond the assist, Vieira created four additional chances—two of which were classified as ‘big’—and had a couple of efforts on goal himself.
While Vieira has become a regular starter for Porto, making his sixth consecutive league start on Monday, the terms of his loan agreement do not include a purchase option. This means Arsenal retain control over his future, though reports suggest Porto would struggle to meet the financial demands required for a permanent transfer, anyway.
Both Vieira’s salary and Arsenal’s potential valuation of the player could be prohibitive, barring a compromise from all parties involved.
Fabio Vieira with the Player of the Match award for FC Porto (Photo via Porto on Twitter)
Photo via Porto on Twitter
After a challenging period adjusting to the physical demands of English football, Vieira’s recent performances for Porto suggest he is beginning to rediscover the creative spark that made him such an exciting prospect in Portugal and prompted Arsenal to spend €35m to buy him in the first place.
With Porto in the thick of a tightly contested Liga Portugal title race, currently two points behind leaders Sporting CP, Vieira’s contributions could prove pivotal in the coming months.
For Arsenal, this loan spell not only provides valuable playing time for the midfielder but also offers a clearer indication of how he might fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans moving forward.
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