Arsenal star Fabio Vieira is still in limbo over his future, as talks continue over a potential exit from the club this summer.
The Portuguese ace was signed by the Gunners back in 2022, joining from Porto for a fee worth £34.2 million.
In the years since, Fabio Vieira has struggled to make his mark, failing to convince Mikel Arteta that he can be part of the team.
Vieira’s loan back to Porto over the 2024/25 season came with the hope of reinvigorating his career, but it wasn’t quite the return he was looking for.
Now, with just weeks left in the transfer market, the 25-year-old looks certain to leave Arsenal, and it could be for a reduced fee.
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Fabio Vieira in talks over Arsenal loan exit with £17m transfer clause
The future of Vieira has been uncertain, as it seemed that a return to Portugal would be unlikely over the course of the window.
Instead, a new frontrunner has emerged, as Stuttgart have been in talks with Arsenal to sign Vieira, with the Bundesliga team hopeful of improving their ranks.
The exact structure of any deal has been unclear, with the Gunners looking towards a permanent exit rather than another loan.
They may well have to settle for a middle ground, as The Athletic reports that current talks have surrounded a loan with an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.
The buy clause sits at around £17 million, a reduction on previous reports that Arsenal wanted to sell Vieira for £20 million.
That would mark a £17 million loss on his purchase price overall as he enters the final two years under contract.
Where Fabio Vieira’s sale could rank in Arsenal’s all-time biggest exits
If Fabio Vieira does go on to leave Arsenal permanently, then the money recouped could prove to be useful for other signings in the future.
The Gunners haven’t always been the best with sales, and it’s something that Andrea Berta will need to improve on in the age of PSR.
However, in terms of Arsenal’s all-time record sales, Vieira could still end up ranking quite highly.
The Portuguese star would be in the top 20 in terms of sales, beating some big names like Olivier Giroud and Emiliano Martinez to those positions.
If that sale doesn’t go through with the obligation, then it may be tougher for the club to complete a move next year.
With just one year remaining on his contract come next summer, it remains to be seen how the risk of that obligation could come into play.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Luke Thrower