Arteta’s Arsenal Moves Forward as Vieira Faces Uncertain Future
After finishing as Premier League runners-up for the third consecutive season, Arsenal have wasted little time retooling their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jorginho, and Thomas Partey have all left the club on free transfers, while Marquinhos and Nuno Tavares have completed permanent moves to Cruzeiro and Lazio, respectively.
Among the arrivals, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been brought in to serve as the backup goalkeeper, while Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard have joined to reinforce a midfield reshaped by the departures of Jorginho and Partey.
Arsenal have already spent £75 million on new signings, but more reinforcements are expected—particularly in defense and attack. Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is being targeted to bolster the back line, but the primary focus remains the final third. With the attack lacking sharpness for long stretches last season, the Gunners have been linked with high-profile names including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. A deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke appears close, with the Englishman expected to replace Raheem Sterling following his loan return to Stamford Bridge.
Reinforcements up front are also a priority. Arsenal suffered from the absences of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus during the second half of the season and were forced to use Mikel Merino in an improvised striker role. As a result, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres—top scorer in Portugal for two seasons running—has emerged as a top target. Deals for Gyökeres, Mosquera, and Madueke appear close, but further additions may depend on sales of fringe players.
The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, and Fábio Vieira could be moved on to free up space. Vieira, in particular, has struggled to make his mark since his €35 million move from Porto in 2022. With Martin Ødegaard firmly established as Arsenal’s first-choice playmaker, Vieira was loaned back to Porto for the 2024/25 season, where he managed 5 goals and 6 assists in 42 appearances. Despite a solid campaign, Porto have opted not to pursue a permanent deal.
However, a lifeline may come from a familiar face. Carlos Cuesta—Arteta’s former assistant coach who recently took over at Serie A side Parma—is reportedly interested in signing Vieira, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Parma narrowly avoided relegation last season and are looking to strengthen their squad. For Vieira, the move could represent a much-needed fresh start. With his Arsenal contract set to expire in 2027, a permanent exit from North London now seems likely.
this article was written by Zach Lowy (X= @ZachLowy/Bluesky = @zachlowy.bsky.social)
