Fabio Vieira set for Porto return
- Fabio Vieira to return to Porto from Arsenal on a temporary basis.
- Struggles to secure a spot in Mikel Arteta's starting XI led to the decision.
- The young midfielder will have the opportunity to gain more playing time at his former club.
Fabio Vieira is poised to return to FC Porto on loan, despite Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's positive remarks about the midfielder's development over the past season. The 24-year-old had a challenging debut year with the Gunners, showcasing moments of brilliance, such as a stunning long-range goal against Brentford, but ultimately struggled to secure consistent playing time due to the team's competitive lineup. Arteta acknowledged Vieira's growth, noting a noticeable change in his demeanor and confidence on the pitch. "Something has changed with Fabio... he’s more mature, he’s more senior in the squad," Arteta stated, expressing his satisfaction with the player's progress. However, Vieira's playing time was severely limited, as he logged less than an hour of Premier League action following a groin surgery in February and remained an unused substitute in 14 of Arsenal's last 17 matches. As Porto finalizes the loan agreement, Vieira will miss Arsenal's upcoming match against Aston Villa. His last start for the club was in the Carabao Cup in November, highlighting his diminished role within the squad. The move back to Porto is seen as an opportunity for Vieira to regain form and confidence, which could benefit both the player and Arsenal in the long run.