£34 million Arsenal flop on brink of sealing return to former club

Mikel Arteta is set to trim his squad further ahead of the transfer deadline with Fabio Vieira’s return to Porto on loan set to be confirmed.

The Gunners have been relatively frugal in the market this summer, with Riccardo Calafiori the only major purchase made so far.

Spain international midfielder Mikel Merino is set to join from Real Sociedad after he flew into London over the weekend, but Arsenal are keen to offload more players before they make a final effort to sign attacking reinforcements.

Vieira joined from Porto two years ago in a £34 million transfer but has largely flattered to deceive.

The Portugal Under-21 international has suffered with numerous injuries but hardly featured during the run-in last season, making just three substitute appearance between January and May.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old is set to undergo a medical today ahead of a loan move, but there will be no obligation to buy clause.

Arsenal have already garnered a substantial fee for Emile Smith Rowe who joined Fulham earlier this summer.

Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, is on the verge of signing for Crystal Palace in a deal that could total £30m if performance related targets are met.

Fellow Hale End Academy graduate Reiss Nelson is also heading towards the exit with Leicester City monitoring his situation.

Charlie Patino, once billed as the most exciting young talent to come out of Arsenal’s academy, has also left the club with a move to Deportivo de La Coruna confirmed on Monday.

‘Firstly, I just want to say thank you for all the amazing memories that I have had at this historic club,’ said the midfielder on Instagram. ‘It has been an honour to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch.

‘I joined the club when I was 11 years old with a dream of one day making my debut for Arsenal. I was fortunate enough to make my dream a reality and for this I will always be grateful.

‘Thank you to the fans, team mates, coaches and everyone associated to the club. Best of luck for the future!!’