Porto manager confirms reports of Fabio Vieira being recalled by Arsenal are wide of mark

Porto boss Vitor Bruno has recently addressed the speculation surrounding Fabio Vieira’s potential return to Arsenal following his absence from the squad. Vieira, who made the switch to Arsenal in 2022 for a reported fee of €40 million (£34.2m/$41.7m), faced challenges in adapting to the Premier League under Mikel Arteta. In search of a turnaround, he returned to his former club, Porto, on a year-long loan during the summer, aiming to regain his form and prove his worth for a future spot in the Gunners’ lineup.

Despite starting in Porto’s last five matches, Vieira found himself excluded from the squad for a recent match—a 4-0 victory against Boavista. This decision has sparked rumors that the 24-year-old midfielder might be recalled by Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window. Bruno, however, clarified that his decision to omit Vieira from the lineup was grounded in his management principles.

In a media briefing, Bruno elaborated on his thought process, stating, “I have to make decisions, pay close attention to the players’ performance and how they view their day-to-day activities.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining certain standards, asserting that while Vieira is a talented player, his talent must be coupled with consistent dedication and adherence to the team’s required playing conditions.

Bruno continued to express confidence in Vieira’s potential, noting the depth of the squad at his disposal. He remarked, “Fabio is very talented, but talent has to be based on a series of pre-conditions. And when one or two of them end up falling apart, it makes everything more difficult.” This statement highlights Bruno’s approach of prioritizing discipline and performance as prerequisites for selection in the matchday squad.

Despite the recent absence from play, Bruno reassured the media and fans that Vieira’s journey with the team is far from over. “He has immense potential, and I cannot give up on certain principles that are mine. I don’t need to pass on any message. Fabio knows me well, and we are counting on him. He will be available to play again next week. So it is a question of making decisions.”

When pressed on the possibility of Vieira’s loan being cut short, Bruno was clear in his support for the player. “Of course,” he affirmed. He reiterated his stance from an earlier interview, emphasizing that talent must stem from a solid foundation, which includes the professional conduct of the athlete. “Fabio has a lot of talent and will be available next week. I have a large squad that offers guarantees, and even if I didn’t, there are assumptions I cannot give up. He knows that and we are here for him.”

This statement reassures Porto fans that Fabio Vieira is still a valued part of the squad, and his absence from the recent match was a tactical decision rather than an indicator of his future with the club. As Vieira aims to find his footing again, both the player and the management remain optimistic about what lies ahead in the coming weeks.