Club president is preparing talks to sign £34m Arsenal midfielder - report
Porto president Andre Villas-Boas has his sights on keeping Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira next season, according to Jornal de Noticias (page 41).
The Gunners are preparing for a busy summer transfer window. There could be multiple outgoings to compensate for a big spending spree.
Vieira was loaned out to Porto last summer after falling out of favour under manager Mikel Arteta. His future could be away from the Gunners.
The Portuguese initially struggled in his homecoming with Porto, but his form has picked up since the turn of the year. He has made 10 goal contributions.
Jornal de Noticias now claim that Villas-Boas will explore the possibility of keeping Vieira next season.
Negotiations will likely take place with the Gunners, and the Primeira Liga outfit could also consider buying the 24-year-old this summer.
Arsenal must cut their losses on Vieira
Vieira was a surprise signing from Porto in the summer of 2022. He arrived for a package of £34 million, but has not made any meaningful impact.
The midfielder managed 13 goal involvements from 49 appearances for the Gunners before his loan exit. He failed to adapt to the higher intensity and physicality of English football.
Vieira was far from his best for Porto during the first half of the campaign, but he has been an undisputed starter for them in the number eight position over the past few months.
Porto are exploring the possibility of a permanent transfer, but the big question is whether they can match the Gunners’ valuation for the versatile ace.
The Portuguese heavyweights spent £16.8m to sign Samu Aghehowa from Atletico Madrid last summer. Their record purchase is Nico Gonzalez at £17.8m.
Arsenal will likely have to cut their losses on Vieira, but selling him back to Porto for a 50 percent loss would not represent good transfer business.
Unless Porto are willing to pay £25m for Vieira, Arsenal should look at potential transfer offers elsewhere before deciding on the playmaker’s future.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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