Fábio Vieira thriving at Porto, but return to Arsenal likely | OneFootball

FC Porto president André Villas-Boas has confirmed there is no purchase option in Fábio Vieira’s loan from Arsenal, leaving his future entirely in the Gunners’ hands.

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Fábio Vieira’s renaissance at FC Porto has not gone unnoticed, least of all by the club’s president, who has now confirmed publicly that there is no purchase option in the midfielder’s loan deal from Arsenal.

That detail could prove decisive, as Vieira continues to impress in a system designed to unlock his considerable technical talents.

“Fábio is one of our own, someone who will always be welcomed with open arms, he knows these corners like no one else, that’s why we brought him in,” said André Villas-Boas, speaking to O Jogo. “He’s now at a unique moment, recognised by all as one of the most in-form players. Based on that, the same reasons that led Arsenal to sign him for €35 million may be the same ones that make Arsenal continue to believe in him – and we lose him.”

Photo via Porto on Twitter

For Porto, that would be a blow. Vieira has been among their most effective players since returning on loan in the summer, scoring in the last three matches and delivering a string of assists that evoke his breakout 2021/22 season. While questions remain over his physical profile, few doubt his vision, technique, and intelligence, qualities that former Porto assistant José Gomes recently praised as “fabulous” and “innate.”

But for all of Porto’s admiration, Villas-Boas was clear: the club’s hands are tied. “In the case of Fábio, we do not have a purchase option,” he admitted. Unlike Nehuén Pérez, whose deal includes a clause Porto are “very interested in activating,” Vieira’s future will be dictated by Arsenal.

It leaves the Premier League side with a decision to make. Mikel Arteta, who pushed for Vieira’s €35m signing in 2022, has rarely found space for the Portuguese playmaker in his high-intensity setup. But with injuries to key creators this season and Vieira’s evident improvement in a more expansive role under Martín Anselmi, the idea of reintegration may now carry more weight.

Porto would welcome a return, but unless Arsenal are prepared to re-enter talks, and possibly rethink their own plans, Vieira’s resurgence may ultimately play out back in England, not Portugal.