Fabio Vieira Returns to Arsenal for Pre-Season as Porto Rule Out Permanent Transfer

Fabio Vieira Arsenal Return confirmed as the Portuguese midfielder rejoins the Gunners for pre-season after FC Porto rule out a permanent transfer.

Fabio Vieira is set to rejoin Arsenal for pre-season training according to The Sun, with Porto FC confirming they will not pursue a permanent deal for the midfielder. The 25-year-old, who initially joined Arsenal in 2022 for around £34 million, spent the 2024–25 campaign back at his boyhood club in search of regular playing time and a confidence boost.

Vieira featured in over 40 matches for Porto across all competitions, including appearances in the Club World Cup. While he showed flashes of the creativity and technical finesse that once made him one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders, his performances were inconsistent. Porto had expressed interest in keeping him permanently, but financial constraints and Arsenal’s valuation proved to be major stumbling blocks.

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With Porto stepping away from negotiations, Vieira will now report to London Colney to begin pre-season preparations with Mikel Arteta’s squad. His return comes at a time when Arsenal are expected to make several changes in midfield, and Vieira will be eager to prove he still has a role to play in North London.

Despite limited opportunities during his initial stint at Arsenal, Vieira remains a player with potential. Injuries and the physical demands of the Premier League hindered his adaptation, but the club has not given up on him just yet. Sources close to the team suggest that Arteta is open to reassessing Vieira’s role during pre-season, especially with a packed fixture list ahead.

This summer could be pivotal for Vieira’s Arsenal future. With no permanent exit on the table and a clean slate ahead, the midfielder has a chance to reignite his career in red and white. Whether he can seize that opportunity remains to be seen—but for now, Fabio Vieira’s Arsenal chapter is far from over.