DEAL AGREED: Arsenal finally agreed the deal to seal move for a top European superstar who has more goals than Cole Palmer and Lamine Yamal last season

Arsenal have already made six summer signings and they could be set to make some more.

First though, some sales need to happen, and reports have started to emerge to suggest things are moving in the right direction.

Emerging reports from across Europe suggest VfB Stuttgart have opened negotiations with Arsenal over a deal to sign Fabio Vieira, with the Bundesliga club exploring a permanent move for the 25-year-old attacking midfielder. A fee is now being discussed, and whilst a difference in valuations exist, there’s optimism a deal could be reached.

Vieira, who spent last season on loan at Porto, is deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal as the club look to raise funds for further summer signings. The Gunners are willing to listen to offers for several fringe players as they aim to reshape the squad under Mikel Arteta and new transfer chief Andrea Berta.

Signed from Porto in June 2022 for an initial €35million (rising to €40m with add-ons), Vieira never truly cemented a regular place in the Arsenal starting XI. He made 22 Premier League appearances in his debut season, but only three of those were starts.

The following campaign proved equally underwhelming, with just two league starts before being loaned back to Porto in August 2024. The Athletic reported that talks with Stuttgart were underway yesterday.

Stuttgart’s interest points towards a clean break, and Arsenal are likely to prioritise a permanent sale over another loan. With the Premier League club hoping to raise funds to facilitate new arrivals, a fee of around £20million would represent a reasonable compromise – especially if a sell-on clause is included to protect Arsenal’s long-term interests. German source BILD has today reported that Arsenal are asking for €30million whilst Stuttgart only want to pay €20million.

A deal that incorporates some add-ons and a potential sell-on fee could see a deal brokered between the clubs sooner rather than later. For me, the £18million Stuttgart are reportedly willing to pay is not far off an acceptable value – given the players lack of performance in recent years.

Given the hefty initial investment in 2022 and the limited return on the pitch, Vieira’s sale could mark one of several necessary departures this window. Arsenal need to generate funds if they are to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.