Fabio Vieira's time at FC Porto is coming to an end after being given the chance to regain his form and start afresh.
The 25-year-old spent the past year on loan with the Portuguese giants after making a permanent move to Arsenal in 2022. Signed for up to £35 million, the Gunners had high hopes for the promising young attacker but things did not go to plan for the midfielder.
He only went on to make 22 Premier League appearances under Mikel Arteta in his first season. After 11 outings in his second campaign, Vieira had to undergo surgery on a groin issue.
Vieira, who struggled to secure a spot in the starting XI upon his return, returned to his former club Porto in hope of rediscovering his form.
Although it was a season to forget for the Dragons, Vieira featured in 42 games, registering five goals and six assists - his best return since the 2021/22 season.
After a difficult spell at the Emirates, there was hope that Porto would offer him a fresh start on a permanent basis.
"This is a place I am familiar with, it's my home and it was here where everything started when I was a child," Vieira said this during his unveiling by the Portuguese giants.
However, that is all set to end on July 1. According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Porto has 'no intention' to try a new loan or to negotiate a transfer for Vieira.
It's said the midfielder's salary is 'too high' for the blues and whites. But even if Vieira was keen to lower his salary to return to his boyhood club, his performances throughout the season were reportedly 'not convincing enough' in the eyes of those responsible at the club to make a push for a permanent signing.
After participating in the Club World Cup - adding to Porto’s disappointing season following their exit in the group stages - Vieira is set to enjoy some quality time with his family before returning to north London.
Arsenal will travel to Singapore in July as part of the club's official pre-season preparations.
The Gunners will play two fixtures while in the country, with the first being against AC Milan on Wednesday, July 23.
They will then play Newcastle United on Sunday, July 27, with both matches to be played in the 55,000-capacity National Stadium. Arsenal will then fly to Hong Kong in China where they will play north London rivals Tottenham on Thursday, July 31.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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