Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Fabio Vieira from FC Porto on a long-term contract.

The deal has looked imminent for a while now, with Porto and the 22-year-old himself confirming the transfer last week. However, Arsenal being Arsenal have taken their time, but the wait is finally over.

Vieira is finally an Arsenal player, and the talented Portuguese attacking midfielder will wear the number 21 shirt. Mikel Arteta and Edu are beyond delighted to have him on board.

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Mikel Arteta and Edu’s first words as Arsenal announce Fabio Vieira signing

Speaking about the new signing, Edu told Arsenal.com: “We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from FC Porto.

“Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch. We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal. We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.”

Arteta added: “I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent.

“Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play. We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.”

First of many, hopefully

Vieira is now Arsenal’s second summer signing after Marquinhos, but considering that the youngster is expected to go out on loan this summer, our new number 21 feels like our first senior signing of this window.

This, however, cannot be the end. Arsenal still need a lot of help across multiple areas of the pitch, and Edu and Arteta simply have to get three or four more new players in before the window shuts.

We need a new striker, a central midfielder, a backup left-back and potentially even a new defender to cover for Gabriel Magalhaes at left centre-half before the new season starts.

Vieira’s arrival definitely is a start, but we hope there’s a lot more to come in the coming weeks.

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