Arsenal’s summer transfer activity has been painted as highly ambitious, with claims that the club is ready to offload one of its less successful signings in order to open the door for a marquee arrival. The name most heavily linked is Crystal Palace’s standout talent, Eberechi Eze, whose creativity and flair have reportedly caught the eye of Mikel Arteta.
Stories have suggested that Arsenal have already made six big signings, among them Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, showing intent to strengthen ahead of a title push. Though Arteta’s side suffered a pre-season setback against Tottenham, the overall tone around the squad has been one of steady progress and preparation. Reshaping the team to suit Arteta’s vision is seen as the core goal, with players on the fringes expected to make way for more impactful arrivals.
One of those who could be sacrificed is Fabio Vieira. The Portuguese midfielder, signed from Porto for around £34 million, arrived with much anticipation but has been unable to meet expectations. Injuries and inconsistency have defined his Arsenal career so far, leaving him struggling to earn Arteta’s full trust or a regular place in the starting lineup.
Reports claim that Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart have expressed interest in securing Vieira’s signature. If Arsenal agree, it would likely come at a financial loss, with estimates suggesting a £25 million fee. However, insiders argue that parting with him could free up the resources needed to bring in a proven Premier League performer like Eze, making the short-term hit worth it.
Eze has been admired by Arsenal for over a year, and his rise at Crystal Palace has only intensified that admiration. Last season, he recorded 14 goals and 11 assists across 43 appearances—remarkable numbers for a player outside the league’s elite clubs. With his £68 million release clause set to expire, Arsenal would gain more negotiating flexibility if they choose to pursue him seriously.
The attacking midfielder’s combination of dribbling, vision, and goal threat has led many analysts to label him a future superstar. His style could slot seamlessly into Arsenal’s system, linking up with Martin Ødegaard and adding new dimensions to Arteta’s 4-3-3 approach. His record in big FA Cup matches also shows he can deliver under pressure, an attribute Arteta values highly.
Vieira, by contrast, has struggled to make a mark. With only 13 goal contributions in 49 Arsenal appearances, and a loan spell at Porto that also underwhelmed, the midfielder has not lived up to the early praise from scouts who once described him as “exceptional.” The gap between his potential and his actual performances has widened, making his exit more likely.
If Arsenal do push ahead with the move, Vieira’s departure could be the domino that sets it all in motion. Bringing in Eze would not only inject proven quality but also signal Arsenal’s continued ambition to compete at the very top. Though speculative for now, the narrative frames Vieira’s exit as the closing of one chapter and Eze’s possible arrival as the beginning of a more dynamic, attacking era for the Gunners.
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