Arsenal loanee has been named in the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, even though he remains contracted to the Gunners
Arsenal huddle
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal loanee Fábio Vieira has been included in FC Porto’s squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, as the midfielder prepares for a high-profile finale to his season-long loan spell. The 24-year-old’s participation in the expanded 32-team tournament offers a final opportunity to impress before a potential return to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Vieira, who rejoined his boyhood club on loan from Arsenal last August, has enjoyed a largely successful campaign under new Porto manager Martín Anselmi. According to Simon Collings of The Evening Standard, the Portuguese midfielder’s selection for the Club World Cup is a notable vote of confidence as Porto aim to make an impact on the global stage.
The loan deal, agreed in the summer of 2024, did not include a purchase option or fee, with Porto covering Vieira’s full salary. The structure of the agreement signaled Arsenal’s belief in Vieira’s long-term potential, as the club sought to provide him with regular playing time after limited opportunities in North London. The arrivals of Mikel Merino and the emergence of teenage star Ethan Nwaneri had pushed Vieira further down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
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Since returning to the Estádio do Dragão, Vieira has made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and registering four assists. Often deployed either as a No. 8 or in more advanced roles, his creativity and technical quality have been key assets for Porto, despite the club’s third-place finish in Liga Portugal and their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Fabio Vieira (Image credit: Getty Images)
A standout moment came in Porto’s final league match against CD Nacional, where Vieira played a central role in a controversial penalty incident and came close to scoring. His consistent performances have drawn praise in the Portuguese press, with O Jogo reporting that Arsenal scouts have closely monitored his progress throughout the season.
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Vieira’s inclusion in the Club World Cup squad extends his Porto campaign beyond the domestic season, potentially offering the chance to compete against top international sides, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. However, Porto president André Villas-Boas confirmed earlier this year that the club does not have an option to buy Vieira, making his return to Arsenal the most likely scenario.
Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto in July 2022 in a €35 million deal but struggled to secure a regular starting role under Arteta. Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries and competition for places limited his impact. Now, as Arsenal plan for the 2025/26 season, the club faces a decision on whether to reintegrate the Portuguese midfielder or consider another loan or a permanent sale.
While reports from The Mirror suggest Vieira could leave again this summer, his performances at the Club World Cup may yet sway Arteta’s thinking. With competition from established names like Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Merino, Vieira will need to prove he can thrive in Arsenal’s high-intensity system.