Transfer News: Arsenal sign Fabio Vieira from FC Porto amidst Liverpool interest
According to the Express, Liverpool were ‘heavily linked’ with FC Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira, who is now on his way to join Arsenal.
The 22-year-old Primeira Liga star was on the Reds’ watchlist as late as last month and seemingly becomes another midfield target they have not been able to sign this summer. Aurelien Tchouameni, who was on the club’s radar, joined Real Madrid this month.
Porto have gone on to confirm a £34m sale of the Portuguese star to the Gunners, a fee which includes add-ons. But perhaps this news doesn’t really come as a big blow for the Merseysiders.
It is naive to judge Vieira based on his flimsy frame, but his dribbling and agility in tight spaces make him a potent number 10. That is the position where he has played the most, with the Porto academy graduate also featuring in roles just behind the striker.
No Vieira, no cry
The Reds, however, have signed a young Portuguese attacking midfielder themselves this summer. Fabio Carvalho is finally a Liverpool player, having joined from recently-promoted Premier League side, Fulham.
In that regard, Vieira isn’t a signing that would have been an urgent one for us. The youngster can play as a central midfielder but Jurgen Klopp is better off signing a natural number eight who is also a force to reckon with when his team is defending.
Jude Bellingham is a name that comes to mind, with the Englishman making a huge impression at Borussia Dortmund. However, the Reds are willing to wait another year to bring him on board.
Liverpool’s prior interest in Vieira isn’t a secret to most LFC fans, with the player’s cousin himself dropping a hint earlier this year about possible interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
More Liverpool News:
- Stan Collymore tells Liverpool that Darwin Nunez is a risk as Erling Haaland comparison made
- Transfer News: Rafael Leao turns down new AC Milan contract amidst Liverpool interest
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But it seems like a signing the Reds did not need. It is better to wait and sign the right player rather than rush into making a rash decision.
