Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sell off an unwanted player, with Mikel Arteta prepared to take a major loss on the £35million flop.
After three consecutive runner-up finishes in the Premier League, Arsenal are going all out this summer transfer window in an attempt to end their two-decade long wait for a league title.
So far the Gunners have spent just shy of £200m on six new players, including Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
More could arrive at the Emirates before deadline day, with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet linked.
But in order to pursue these deals, Arsenal need to cash-in on several unwanted stars who have failed to make the grade under Arteta.
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This includes Fabio Vieira, who was tipped for big things when he signed from Porto three years ago but has since made just five Premier League starts.
Injuries, the form of Martin Odegaard and the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri, saw the attacking midfielder slip down the pecking order, and he was sent back to Porto on loan last season.
But despite making 42 appearances across all competitions, the Portuguese giants have opted not to re-sign the 25-year-old.
The midfielder did not go on Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia due to his participation at the Club World Cup with Porto earlier this summer, but it has long been know that his future is not in north London.
However, Vieira has now been offered an escape route, with The Athletic reporting that Stuttgart have approached Arsenal and are working on a deal for the player.
Fabio Vieira Arsenal stats
Appearances: 49
Goals: 3
Assists: 10
Trophies: Community Shield (2023)
Vieira has two years left on his contract and it has been previously reported that Arsenal would be willing to accept an offer of around £17m – half what they signed the Portuguese for.
Stuttgart finished ninth in the Bundesliga last season but can offer Europa League football after winning the German Cup.
Now back from their Asia tour, Arsenal have two more pre-season friendlies, where Vieira’s involvement or lack thereof could confirm the transfer speculation.
The Gunners take on Villarreal on Wednesday and Athletic Bilbao on Sunday – both at the Emirates – before kicking-off the new Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on August 17.
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