Arsenal announce the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira for £30million – as the 22-year-old star admits he ‘couldn’t be prouder’ to join a ‘huge and historic’ club like the Gunners
- Arsenal have officially unveiled midfielder Fabio Vieira, 22, as a Gunners player
- Portuguese side Porto had earlier confirmed Vieira would move to the Emirates
- Vieira, who signed a ‘long-term’ contract, joins Arsenal for an initial £30million
- The Portugal U-21 international said he ‘couldn’t be prouder’ to sign for Arsenal
- Boss Mikel Arteta said he is ‘excited’ the club has signed such a ‘special talent’
Arsenal have officially unveiled Fabio Vieira after announcing his £30million move from Porto.
The Portuguese midfielder is the Premier League club’s first major signing of the summer transfer window, after goalkeeper Matt Turner and Brazilian forward Marquinhos arrived.
Vieira, 22, said he ‘couldn’t be prouder’ to join a ‘huge and historic’ club like the Gunners. The deal includes £4m of achievable performance-related add-ons.
He said: ‘I was born near Porto and played for Porto from the age of eight. I’ve always admired the way Arsenal play.
‘There are many players who I remember well from over the years: ‘(Dennis) Bergkamp, (Cesc) Fabregas, (Santi) Cazorla, Thierry Henry.
‘Arsenal is a huge and historic club. I’m so happy to be here and I couldn’t be prouder.’
Arsenal have officially unveiled Fabio Vieira after announcing his £30million move from Porto
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder becomes the Gunners’ first major signing this summer
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.
‘We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.’
Vieira, a namesake of legendary former Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira – now manager at Crystal Palace – will wear the No 21 shirt.
Creative and versatile attacking midfielder Vieira has signed a ‘long-term’ contract at Arsenal
The attacking midfielder was vital in helping Porto claim a 30th league title last season
Vieira’s Primeira Liga…