'I accepted the deal': 'Superb' Fabio Vieira confirms he's agreed to sign for Arsenal

By Shamanth Jayaram

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of signing Fabio Vieira from Porto, and the midfielder has now come out and claimed that he has accepted the deal.

The Gunners went into the market looking for a new midfielder. Everyone’s eyes were on Leicester City star Youri Tielemans, but Mikel Arteta’s side surprised everyone and secured a deal for Vieira instead.

Porto already confirmed the transfer via an official statement yesterday. Arsenal, however, are taking their time, as they always do. Goal journalist Charles Watts revealed yesterday that the announcement may not arrive until the “early stages of next week“.

Vieira has now taken it upon himself to confirm that he has indeed accepted a move to Arsenal.

• Report explains what Fabio Vieira will earn with his new Arsenal contract

Fabio Vieira confirms he has signed for Arsenal

Vieira, who has reportedly flown over to London to finalise his transfer from Porto, broke his silence about the transfer.

He told The Mirror today: “I was always happy at Porto but this chance is important for any professional.

“Playing in the Premier League won’t be easy and I promise only to work, work, work.

“My agent worked on the deal between the two clubs and I accepted the deal because it was important for all parties. I have always watched the Premier League on TV.”

• Journalist shares what his sources at Arsenal have told him about when Fabio Vieira transfer will be confirmed

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Vieira to Arsenal really did come out of nowhere. Things went from zero to 100 real quick on Thursday, and the report claims that super-agent Jorge Mendes was the one who brokered the deal.

Arsenal will reportedly pay Porto £30 million upfront for the talented midfielder, while a further £4 million in add-ons may also be payable if certain criteria are met.

Vieira, branded as a ‘classic 10’ and a ‘superb passer of the ball’, suits Mikel Arteta’s system perfectly. He’s a hard worker, is excellent in possession and hugely versatile – he can play in attacking midfield, as a number eight and also on the wing.

Arsenal fans really are looking forward to seeing him in action, and it’s only a matter of time before his signing is officially announced by the Gunners.

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