Arsenal
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Arsenal are considering their next steps regarding Fabio Vieira’s future after FC Porto informed the club they cannot afford a permanent transfer for the Portuguese midfielder.
Vieira, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for £35 million, has struggled to make a consistent impact at the Emirates. The 25-year-old arrived carrying an ankle injury and has since failed to secure a regular spot in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, where his appearances were limited, Vieira was loaned back to his former club Porto last summer. He impressed during his stint in Portugal, and according toThe Sun, Porto are interested in keeping him. However, they are currently unable to meet Arsenal’s valuation.
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With Arsenal reluctant to accept a significant loss on a player they had high hopes for, the Gunners are assessing alternative options. Vieira is set to represent Porto at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and will then return to Arsenal for pre-season training. However, he is not expected to be included in the squad that travels for the club’s pre-season tour at the end of July.
Arsenal - Fabio Vieira
Fabio Vieira (Image credit: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, 15-year-old academy prospect Max Dowman is expected to be included in the touring squad, having impressed Arteta enough to be promoted to first-team training last season.
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On the transfer front, Arsenal are yet to make any additions this summer but remain active in the market. A new striker remains a priority, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres still firmly on the club’s radar.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has insisted that Gyokeres will not leave for less than his £84.7 million release clause. The 27-year-old Swedish striker is also being pursued by Manchester United. However, reports suggest Gyokeres believes he has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave for a fee in the region of £50.8 million plus £8.4 million in add-ons.
Varandas has publicly denied the existence of such an agreement but admitted that the club did promise Gyokeres they wouldn’t hold out for the full release clause, following discussions with the player’s representatives last year.
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