Arsenal star named 'dream target' as exit looms

Cameron Smith

• 9 Jun 2024 22:00 BST
• 4 min read

Fabio Vieira could leave Arsenal to re-join Porto this summer after just two years at the club.

The 24-year-old joined the Gunners for €35 million in 2022, but he has struggled for game time throughout his career at the Emirates Stadium.

Vieira made just two Premier League starts last season, while he has only amassed 49 first-team appearances since his high-profile move to England.

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Martin Odegaard is firmly Arsenal’s first choice attacking midfielder, with Emile Smith Rowe and Vieira featuring extremely rarely over the past two seasons.

Smith Rowe has been heavily linked with a summer exit, amid interest from West Ham United, Aston Villa and Luton Town, while Vieira could follow him to the exit door.

According to Portuguese media publication A Bola, the 24-year-old is regarded as a “dream” target for Porto, who would love to re-sign the midfielder.

Vieira is reportedly keen to leave Arsenal this summer in a bid to gain regular first-team football and could return to Portugal.

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Fabio Vieira back to Porto?

Porto want to bring Vieira back to the club in order to replace Francisco Conceicao, who is expected to leave before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

The Portuguese international has a €30m release clause and is wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig after a fantastic season at club level.

His excellent performances in 2023-24 were also rewarded by an inclusion in Portugal’s squad for the 2024 European Championship.

Porto are unable to afford a permanent deal for Vieira, meaning the Arsenal midfielder would only be able to re-join the club on a season-long loan.

Vieira made 76 appearances during his time at Porto, scoring 10 goals and registering 18 assists. His final season at the club saw him notch 20 goal contributions in just 27 league appearances, which convinced Arsenal to part with a large chunk of money to sign him.