After midfielder Fabio Vieira completed a loan move to Porto in the final days of the summer transfer window, journalist Fabrizio Romano maintains that Arsenal has not made a final decision regarding his future.

Along with players like Reiss Nelson and Nuno Tavares, the 24-year-old was one of five players who were sent out on loan for the upcoming campaign. Instead, Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad in La Liga joined Mikel Arteta to strengthen his midfield.

In other additions, Arsenal brought in loanee Raheem Sterling from Chelsea and defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, both in Italy. Their goalkeeping depth was increased by the permanent signing of David Raya and the addition of Neto on loan.

“No decision” on Vieira’s future was made.

He is presently on loan at Porto.

Following Arsenal’s triumph in the Community Shield, a beaming Fabio Vieira gestures to the Arsenal badge. 

Vieira will return to Porto on loan for the duration of the 2024–25 season, it was confirmed during the last week of the transfer window at the end of August. The midfielder is yet to establish a regular starting berth under Arteta, despite a few “outstanding” performances. He only joined Arsenal from the Portuguese team in the summer of 2022.

Writing in his Daily Briefing, Romano stated that the goal is for him to resume playing on a weekly basis. The loan agreement, it is said, will also enable Arsenal’s personnel to keep an eye on his development during the season before making an assessment in the summer.

Arsenal’s career statistics for Fabio Vieira across all competitions

Looks

49

Objectives

3.

Helps

9.

Played Minutes

1,886

The story continues by emphasizing that he will be 25 at the end of the campaign and that a final decision regarding his career will need to be taken. The direct loan arrangement, however, is the result of no plans being in place at this time and no decision having been made.

Vieira came through Porto’s youth and played for their senior squad for more than 70 games before finalizing a transfer to Arsenal two years ago. It is anticipated that a return to his former club will provide him the consistent minutes he needs at this point in his career, even though he hasn’t been able to play frequently in North London.

Italy’s manager updates the Calafiori injury.

He was replaced during their matchup with France.

Calafiori Riccardo

Calafiori, who signed a summer contract, was substituted during Italy’s Nations League triumph against France on Friday night, so Arteta will be worried about his health. With what appeared to be a calf injury, the defender was replaced shortly after the 70-minute mark, having started the match in Paris.

Although Italy manager Luciano Spalletti said after the game that evaluations would be necessary, it is hoped the injury is not as serious as initially thought. The 22-year-old may still be fit for their next match on Monday night against Israel.

After the game, the coach spoke to the media:

“We need to assess Riccardo, but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”