Arsenal’s Squad Rebuild Continues: Another Player Set to Leave in Arteta’s Latest Move
Updated 18:57 23 Aug 2024 GMT+1
Mikel Arteta is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to rebuild the Arsenal squad, and the latest report suggests that another player is set to exit the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have already allowed several squad players to depart since the end of last season, and it seems that another transfer is on the horizon.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, midfielder Fabio Vieira is set to join Porto on loan, a move that has been triggered by the arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Vieira, 24, has struggled to make an impact at Arsenal, and his desire for more game time has led to a decision to leave the club.
It’s no secret that Vieira was pushing for more minutes, especially with the emergence of youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who is expected to feature more prominently in the senior squad this season. With Merino’s impending arrival, Vieira’s opportunities would have been limited, making a loan move to Porto a sensible decision.
Arsenal fans have reacted positively to the news, believing that the club are more likely to sign a winger this summer to compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. One fan wrote, "Great news that. Means more minutes for Nwaneri and I’m 100 per cent certain we’ll sign a winger."
Another fan added, "Vieira clearly wasn’t viewed as a long-term option with the amount of minutes he’s been given during his time here. Positive about it is now a clearer pathway for Nwaneri. Increased optimism for a winger signing now."
The move for Vieira is just the latest in a string of departures from the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have already allowed midfielders Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny to leave, and are also in talks with Nottingham Forest over the potential sale of forward Eddie Nketiah.
On the incomings front, Arsenal have completed a permanent transfer of goalkeeper David Raya, who spent last season on loan from Brentford. Defender Riccardo Calafiori has also signed from Bologna, while the Gunners are closing in on a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.
With Vieira’s departure, fans are now eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new winger to bolster the squad. As one fan wrote, "Fabio Vieira leaving must definitely mean a winger or striker would be one of the signings before the end of the window."
Will Arsenal sign a new winger to strengthen their squad? Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the Gunners’ transfer business!