Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of winning the race to sign Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira.
Ahead of the start of the summer transfer window, the Gunners were linked with a number of potential new additions for the middle of the pitch, including Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves and Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma.
However, it was claimed earlier this week that the latter of those two players was on his way to Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly a blow to Arsenal's transfer plans.
Nevertheless, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League outfit have instead made significant progress in their efforts to strengthen in a troublesome area of the pitch.
Romano claims that Arsenal are willing to pay a fee of €35m (£29.9m), as well as including a number of add-ons which still need to be agreed by Porto.
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Furthermore, it is suggested that the Portuguese giants are prepared to accept the offer and that Vieira is happy to move to the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old cannot claim to have been a regular for Porto last season, just 19 of his 35 appearances in all competitions coming from the starting lineup.
However, the playmaker still contributed seven goals and 16 assists, a return which has ultimately led to widespread interest in his signature.
As recently as Wednesday, it was reported in Portugal that Manchester United were contemplating whether to make a formal approach for Vieira, with newly-appointed boss Erik ten Hag eager to add fresh faces to his squad.
Liverpool were also suggested as a potential destination, but it now appears that Mikel Arteta has won the race for the Portugal Under-21 international.
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Vieira has spent his career playing in numerous positions, his most familiar role being in an advanced position in the centre of the pitch.
Martin Odegaard occupied a similar space during 2021-22, contributing seven goals and four assists, and it would provide Arteta with genuine quality competition should a deal be finalised.
Vieira is also accustomed to featuring in wide positions, his versatility having the potential to be important with Arsenal having earned a return to European football.
In total, 10 goals and 18 assists have come from his 76 appearances for Porto in all competitions.
