Arsenal sign Fabio Vieira for €40m from Porto - official

Robin Bairner

Updated: 21 Jun 2022 12:41 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Fabio Vieira of Porto on a €40 million deal.

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The Portuguese club announced an agreement had been reached with the Gunners early on Friday and this was followed by the completion of the Portugal international’s medical with the Emirates club.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to pay €35 million up front for Vieira, with another €5m to follow in performance-related bonuses.

”I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent," Arteta said. "Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play."

Vieira has penned a five-year-deal and has been handed the number 21 shirt.

Bem-vindo, Fabio ❤️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 21, 2022

Given that the player had a release clause of €50m in his contract, this is strong business from Arsenal, who have taken advantage of Porto’s financial problems to achieve a deal at a considerably lower cost.

What type of player is Fabio Vieira?

Vieira is expected to bring creativity and a goal threat from the centre of midfield, having scored six time for Porto in the Portuguese top flight last season. He also created 16 goals in 39 outings in all competitions. Furthermore, he has been prolific with the Portugal U21 side, finding he net 13 times in 21 appearances.

He likes to occupy a position on the right of the midfield but tends to drift inside. His strengths are technical as opposed to athletic. He is not particularly fast but has excellent balance on the ball and is intelligent to take up good positions when not in possession.

Vieira is not a player who is restricted to playing in one area of the field. He can operate as a No.10 and can also play off the left.

He is Arsenal’s third signing of the season following the addition of goalkeeper Matt Turner from the New England Revolution and Marquinhos from Sao Paulo. Like this pair, Fabio Vieira’s arrival is designed to give depth to the squad while also providing Arteta with a player who is expected to develop in the long term.