Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal will sell two stars for £74m to fund Alexander Isak transfer

Fabio Vieira is among the players speculated to exit Arsenal during the summer transfer window, with journalist Fabrizio Romano weighing in on the potential deal.

Vieira’s journey to the Premier League began in the summer of 2022 when Arsenal secured his services from Porto for a hefty £34 million, signing him to a long-term contract. This move followed Vieira’s outstanding performance, where he earned the player of the tournament award as Portugal reached the final of the U21 Euros the previous year.

Expected to make an impact at Arsenal, the 23-year-old central attacking midfielder has struggled to secure a starting position under manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta has often favoured players like Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz over Vieira, limiting his playing time. Despite making 17 appearances across all competitions this term, only five of those outings have lasted 45 minutes or more.

Recent reports suggest that Vieira could leave Arsenal this summer in pursuit of more game time elsewhere, with Monaco emerging as a potential destination, offering Vieira an opportunity to explore Ligue 1 for the first time.

In his latest column for the Daily Briefing, Romano addressed the uncertainty surrounding Vieira’s future at the Emirates Stadium. While not guaranteeing Vieira’s departure, Romano suggested that an attractive offer could prompt Arteta to greenlight his sale. 

“It’s also been reported that Fabio Vieira could leave Arsenal after a lack of playing time. My understanding, however, is that it depends on proposals,” Romano stated. “So far it’s quiet but for players like Vieira (not all of them), there’s a chance to leave in case of a good proposal coming in. We just have to be patient on that one.”

Vieira isn’t the only attacking midfielder potentially on the move from Arsenal. Recent reports revealed interest from four Premier League sides—Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, and Crystal Palace—in securing Emile Smith Rowe, who has seen reduced significance under Arteta’s management.

Romano disclosed that discussions between Arsenal and Smith Rowe are in progress, suggesting the club might consider selling the player if a suitable offer arises. “I’m aware of talk of a meeting being scheduled between Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal, but my understanding is that nothing has been decided on this yet,” Romano remarked. “I think it’s an open situation based on proposals, but at the moment I’m still hearing it’s a quiet situation. Let’s see in the next weeks if clubs join the race.”

Smith Rowe has been valued at £30-40 million, representing a significant profit for Arsenal following his development.