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Arsenal gain key concession in Fábio Vieira loan deal
Arsenal have reportedly secured a significant concession in the negotiations for Fábio Vieira’s loan move to FC Porto, with the Portuguese club now set to cover the midfielder’s wages in full.
This update comes after initial reports suggested that Arsenal would share the financial burden of Vieira’s salary during his loan spell.
However, according to O Jogo, which initially reported on Saturday that Arsenal would be responsible for part of his wages, the London club has since gained a more favourable agreement.
The latest information indicates that Vieira is expected to return to Porto on a season-long loan without a purchase option.
The decision for Porto to assume the full wage package of the 23-year-old represents a key win for Arsenal in the negotiations, reducing their financial obligations while allowing Vieira to gain valuable playing time back at his former club.
Vieira’s wages are reportedly within a range that Porto can afford, enabling the deal to progress without the complications initially expected.
The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Porto in 2022 for €35 million with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons, has struggled to secure a consistent spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Now, the Portuguese international is set to return to familiar surroundings, with the final details of the deal expected to be completed imminently.
Vieira, who was left out of Arsenal’s squad this weekend, is currently in London awaiting the final “green light” to travel to Porto.
This update contrasts with earlier reports by O Jogo, highlighting how Arsenal managed to secure a better deal than initially anticipated. By ensuring Porto takes on all of Vieira’s wages, Arsenal have minimised their financial exposure in this loan arrangement.
However, O Jogo also report that Arsenal will not receive a fee of any kind for the loan.
Meanwhile, Porto will be sending Francisco Conceição to Juventus on loan.
Conceição is expected in Turin today (Sunday) for his medical, with Juventus agreeing to pay €7 million for the loan and a further €3 million if they qualify for the Champions League next season.
Despite attempts from Juventus to include a purchase option, Porto have resisted, instead focusing on Conceição’s development away from the intense scrutiny of the Dragão.
For Vieira, the loan provides a chance to recapture the form that earned him his move to Arsenal, while for Porto, it strengthens their midfield as they push for silverware this season.