Tuesday , October 8 2024

Arsenal announce the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira for £30million

Arsenal have officially unveiled Fabio Vieira after announcing his £30million move from Porto. 

The Portuguese midfielder is the Premier League club’s first major signing of the summer transfer window, after goalkeeper Matt Turner and Brazilian forward Marquinhos arrived.

He said: ‘I was born near Porto and played for Porto from the age of eight. I’ve always admired the way Arsenal play. 

‘There are many players who I remember well from over the years: ‘(Dennis) Bergkamp, (Cesc) Fabregas, (Santi) Cazorla, Thierry Henry.

‘Arsenal is a huge and historic club. I’m so happy to be here and I couldn’t be prouder.’

Arsenal have officially unveiled Fabio Vieira after announcing his £30million move from Porto

Arsenal have officially unveiled Fabio Vieira after announcing his £30million move from Porto

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder becomes the Gunners' first major signing this summer

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder becomes the Gunners’ first major signing this summer

Manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent. 

‘Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play. 

‘We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.’ 

Vieira, a namesake of legendary former Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira – now manager at Crystal Palace – will wear the No 21 shirt. 

He added: ‘This is an important step forward in my career. It certainly was a fast process. It was something that I was drawn to. Meeting the people at the club was a real positive for me. I’m loving it here and I’m here to give the team my all.

Creative and versatile attacking midfielder Vieira has signed a 'long-term' contract at Arsenal

Creative and versatile attacking midfielder Vieira has signed a ‘long-term’ contract at Arsenal

The attacking midfielder was vital in helping Porto claim a 30th league title last season

Vieira's Primeira Liga statistics from the 2021-22 season - graphic provided by: SofaScore

Vieira’s Primeira Liga statistics from the 2021-22 season – graphic provided by: SofaScore

‘I’m an attacking player who looks to find space between the lines, to be able to finish off moves either with assists or by scoring goals. I think those are the main attributes that Arsenal fans can expect from me.’ 

He broke through at hometown club Porto and has made 75 appearances in all competitions across his three seasons with the Dragons, scoring 10 goals. 

Vieira also has an impressive 13 goals in 21 caps for his country’s Under-21 side and was named Player of the Tournament at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2021, where Portugal finished runners-up. 

The 5’7′ star scored six times and recorded 14 assists as Porto won the Primeira Liga last season.

He cut short his post-season holiday in Mykonos to complete his medical and sign for the Gunners – and the move is now complete.

The club's technical director and former midfielder Edu (left) has shown Vieira around Arsenal

The club’s technical director and former midfielder Edu (left) has shown Vieira around Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen for reinforcements in midfield and in the forward positions

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen for reinforcements in midfield and in the forward positions

Arsenal remain interested in signing long-term target Youri Tielemans from Leicester City

Arsenal remain interested in signing long-term target Youri Tielemans from Leicester City

Technical director Edu continued: ‘We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from FC Porto. 

‘Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch. We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal. 

‘We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.’ 

Arsenal also stated the transfer is ‘subject to the completion of regulatory processes’. 

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