Huge Arsenal January transfer hint dropped as manager makes two-word comment amid Bukayo Saka blow
Porto boss Vitor Bruno has played down speculation that Arsenal are set to recall Fabio Vieira from his loan spell in the January transfer window.
Vieira returned to the Portuguese giants in the summer on loan after struggling to make an impact in Mikel Arteta's side. The playmaker cost over £34million in 2022 but only started 17 games.
After securing a temporary move to the Estadio do Dragao, the 24-year-old had only missed four games this season. However, he was excluded from the squad for Saturday night's 4-0 win over Boavista.
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Vieira had started Porto's last five matches and Bruno's decision to drop him sparked speculation that the Gunners were set to bring him back to London following Bukayo Saka's injury. The winger is out of action for a number of weeks leaving Mikel Arteta short on options in the final third.
Following the win on Saturday, the Porto boss explained why the Arsenal loanee didn't start the game. "I have to make decisions, pay close attention to the players' performance and how they view their day-to-day activities," he said.
"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.
"He has immense potential and I have a large squad that offers me guarantees, I cannot give up 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."
Asked if Vieira will stay at the club for the remainder of the season, he replied: "Of course," before adding: "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 that I cannot give up. He knows that and we are here for him."
