Fabio Vieira will wear the number 21 jersey for Arsenal.© Twitter
Arsenal completed the signing of highly regarded Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira on Tuesday in a 40 million euro ($42 million) deal. The 22-year-old has become one of Europe’s most gifted young stars after coming through the Portuguese club’s youth system. He played a key role in Porto’s domestic doubles last season, scoring seven times and providing 16 assists in all competitions. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s third signing of the transfer window, saying: “I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent.
“Fabio is a very creative player who will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking game.”
Porto said last week that Vieira, who was voted player of the tournament at last year’s Under-21 European Championship, would move to London after both clubs reached an agreement in principle.
The Portuguese champions said The Gunners would pay 35 million euros initially for the midfielder, the rest in possible extras.
Arsenal have not specified the duration of the contract, but Porto’s statement said he would sign a five-year contract.
Arteta is looking to add creativity to his side after Arsenal narrowly missed a return to the Champions League last season.
Technical director Edu said Fabio is “a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the last third of the field”.
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Arsenal, which finished fifth in the Premier League last season, has already signed 19-year-old Brazilian striker Marquinhos from Sao Paulo and American goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans is also linked with a move to the Emirates.
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