Arsenal sign Fabio Vieira from Porto in £34 million deal

Portuguese midfielder joins Mikel Arteta's squad after helping his side to win Primeira Liga last season

FC Porto's Fabio Vieira, left, in action against Vizela's Mendez during their Portuguese Primeira Liga match in April 2022. The Portuguese midfielder has signed a deal worth £34 million to join Arsenal. EPA

FC Porto's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira applauds supporters during the Portuguese Primeira League match against CD Santa Clarain in April, 2022. AFP

FC Porto's Fabio Vieira, right, battles with Santa Clara's Ricardinho. EPA

FC Porto's Fabio Vieira, left, celebrates after scoring against CD Santa Clara. AFP

FC Porto's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira in action. AFP

FC Porto's Fabio Vieira celebrates scoring against Boavista. EPA

FC Porto’s Fabio Vieira is closed down by Lazio’s Stefan Radu during the Europa League playoff first leg in February 2022. EPA

Porto's Fabio Vieira and Lazio's Stefan Radu. AFP

Porto's Fabio Vieira celebrates scoring against Sporting CP in February 2022. EPA

FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira after scoring against Benfica. AFP

Arsenal announced on Tuesday they had signed Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira on a long-term contract for a reported fee of £34 million ($42 million), including add-ons.

The 22-year-old came through the Portuguese club's youth system and made 27 appearances during last season's Primeira Liga triumph.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: "I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent.

"Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play."

Arsenal have already bought Sao Paulo teenager Marquinos to bolster their squad but Vieira is expected to slot straight into the first team. The Gunners have also signed USA goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The skilful playmaker made 39 appearances for Porto last season, scoring seven goals and contributing 14 assists.

"Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch," said Arsenal technical director Edu.

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"We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal.

"We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible."

"This is an important step forward in my career," Vieira told Arsenal's official website.

"It certainly was a fast process. It was something that I was drawn to. Meeting the people at the club was a real positive for me. I'm loving it here and I'm here to give the team my all.

"I'm an attacking player who looks to find space between the lines, to be able to finish off moves either with assists or by scoring goals.

"I think those are the main attributes that Arsenal fans can expect from me."