Arsenal Reach Agreement to Sign Porto Midfielder Fabio Vieira for €40m

Arsenal have reached an agreement to complete the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira. The deal is worth up to €40 million as reported by Sky Sports. The 22-year-old midfielder is a product of the FC Porto academy and has risen through the ranks to play for the senior team. Vieira will be given a five-year contract with the Gunners which will last till 2027.

Fabio Vieira has played 39 matches for Porto this season in all competitions. He has scored 7 goals but more importantly, he has contributed with his huge number of assists this season, getting 16 to his name. His best stats have come when he has played more as a second striker than as an attacking midfielder (stats via Transfermarkt). He is yet to make his debut for the Portuguese National team but that could happen soon if he continues to deliver this kind of performance.

Arsenal, Fabio Vieira — Image obtained via The Mirror

Pedro Sepúlveda has confirmed that the deal will go through and Arsenal will soon land Fabio Vieira. The player is set to undergo his medical and has already finalized personal terms. However, the smaller details are yet to be confirmed but sources close to ESPN say that Arsenal will offer €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons depending on his performance.

Arsenal currently have Martin Odegaard who plays as the number 10 in most of their games. However, the Norwegian will need some help to go through an entire season, especially when there is a European club competition involved next season. The club decided to go with Vieira as a backup offensive midfielder. He can even challenge Odegaard for a place in the starting lineup if he can produce good results.

Arsenal have reached full agreement with Porto for Fábio Vieira, here we go! Proposal has been accepted as reported before. ⚪️🔴🤝 #AFC

Personal terms also completed, contract until June 2027. Vieira will undergo medical tests on Friday.@pedromsepulveda news confirmed 🇵🇹🤝 pic.twitter.com/VOnhbHu3E8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2022

Fabio Vieira does not seem to be a box-to-box midfielder and may not also perform at his best on the left of a midfield three. It is unlikely to see Odegaard and Vieira share the pitch very often. However, they will push each other till the end to start more games and eventually develop the skills that will see them become better players.

Why Has Arsenal Opted To Sign Fabio Vieira?

Fabio Vieira was named the Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros 2021. He is capable of using both his feet but is more comfortable using his left foot. He likes to pass the ball more and create link-up plays with his teammates. Vieira also has an eye for goal as he has occasionally shown this season in the Primeira Liga.

Fabio Vieira playing for Porto, Arsenal, Fabio Vieira — Image obtained via TBRFootball

Moreover, Vieira also has extremely good vision. The 22-year-old Portuguese does not shy away from playing risky passes that can result in creating great chances for his team. Not only does he attempt those risky passes but he also completes most of his attempts taking him a level above his competitors. Vieira has registered the third most number of assists this season in the Primeira Liga.

He ranks first in the Primeira Liga for the number of assists per 90 minutes (0.74) and has 1.15 goals+assists per 90 which is the 3rd best in the league. He also ranks second in the league with 1.15 non-penalty goals+assists per 90 (stats via fbref). These stats are proof of Vieira’s hefty involvement in goal creation for Porto.

With Arsenal set to rebuild their squad, Fabio Vieira will provide the necessary depth needed for an elite team. Vieira can help the team massively as Arsenal will surely face fixture congestion with their qualification in the Europa League next season. There is also a possibility that manager Mikel Arteta can use him as a right-winger. The Spanish manager can take the advantage of Vieira’s strong left foot and include him in the play from the right. Either way, Fabio Vieira is certainly a perfect signing for Arsenal considering his talent and age.

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