Arsenal are poised to make a surprise signing – and it's already been confirmed by one side
(Image credit: Getty)
Arsenal have already tied up their surprise next move in the transfer market.
Last week, out of nowhere, rumours of the Gunners pouncing for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira sprung out of nowhere. Youri Tielemans has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium – so the news of Vieira's arrival was not unexpected but completely out of the blue, with no prior whispers.
The 22-year-old has played as a No.10 for the Portuguese side, however, it's believed that he is the answer to Arsenal's conundrum at No.8, with Granit Xhaka unsuited to playing in such a roving role.
(Image credit: Getty)
Somewhat surprisingly, Porto have already confirmed the exit – before Arsenal have had the chance to announce him as their player.
In a statement, the two-time European champions affirmed that the midfielder will be exiting the club this summer – and that the north Londoners will pay around £34m for his services.
"The club informs the market that it has reached an agreement with Arsenal FC for the signing, on a permanent basis, of Fabio Vieira for the amount of €40 million," read a Porto statement.
(Image credit: Getty)
Vieira was apparently wanted by Liverpool, according to the Express, before the Gunners made the quick move to sign him ahead of the Reds.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
The Portuguese is valued at around £22m by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
