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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Vieira to return to Porto</li><li>Merino's signing will push him out of Emirates</li><li>Has a contract with the Gunners until 2027</li></ul>

Arsenal agree loan exit for Fabio Vieira as midfielder set to return to former club due to Mikel Merino arrival

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FC Porto

With <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-mikel-merino-deal-eur38-5m-from-real-sociedad/bltdcdba6210c935d62" target="_blank">Merino set to join</a> and the rising talents of Ethan Nwaneri, Vieira has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta. Hence, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5719226/2024/08/23/porto-loan-deal-arsenal-fabio-vieira/" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>, the Gunners have thrashed out a season-long loan deal with the Portuguese side just two years after he left the club to join Arsenal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

During the 2023-24 season, Vieira managed to appear in 15 matches across various competitions for Arsenal, contributing one goal and three assists. However, after returning from groin surgery in February, he found his opportunities <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/ridiculously-shocking-arsenal-fabio-vieira-studs-high-challenge-sent-off-burnley-gunners-legend-patrick/blt91f0dce6a4586659" target="_blank">drastically reduced and played just 57 minutes in the Premier League.</a>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vieira did participate in Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures but did not feature in the team’s opening weekend victory against Wolves. His limited involvement has further fuelled the<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-boss-delivers-worrying-fabio-vieira-fitness-update/blt0377b2d26a3ac83f" target="_blank"> decision to seek a loan move that would offer him more regular playing time</a> to continue his development.

DID YOU KNOW?

As Porto continue to work on the loan deal, the 24-year-old midfielder will be absent from Mikel Arteta’s squad for Arsenal’s upcoming match against Aston Villa on Saturday. Nonetheless, he has a contract with the Gunners until 2027 and a bright spell at his former stomping ground could pave the way for a return to the Emirates as one of the key figures in midfield.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal agree loan exit for Fabio Vieira as midfielder set to return to former club due to Mikel Merino arrival | Goal.com

Arsenal have reportedly agreed on a loan deal for Fabio Vieira with Porto to free up squad space in time for Mikel Merino&apos;s arrival.