(Football news) Premier League club Arsenal have confirmed the signing of 22 year old midfielder Fabio Vieira from Porto for £34m including add ons related to performances. The 22 year old is the third player signed by the Gunners after goalkeeper Matt Turner and Brazil forward Marquinhos. The player underwent a medical in North London last week and was awarded Player of the Tournament in the European U21 Championships last year. 

Vieira had an impressive last season both domestically and internationally, scoring six league goals in 15 starts for Porto and 13 goals in 21 appearances for the Portugal U21 team. He will be expected to add to Arsenal’s firepower at the middle of the park and the Gunners will hope Vieira can replicate his form from Porto which saw him provide 14 assists last season. 

Speaking about the signing, 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. We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season." Arsenal are expected to reinforce their squad with more signings with Gabriel Jesus one of the possibilities to bolster their attack while Leicester's Youri Tielemans is another target.

Fabio Vieira plays on the left wing but can also operate on the right and in a Number 10 role. While the player lacks pace, his range of passing and positional sense makes up for the deficit. It will be interesting to see how Vieira copes up with the physicality of the Premier League as the 22 year old is quite lean and could struggle to adapt to England’s top flight. Arsenal fans will need to manage their expectations with this signing as the club have signed a prospect rather than an established superstar and Vieira will need time to adapt and develop his strengths and weaknesses at Arsenal.

Also read: Newcastle set to sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope