Arsenal fans have a lot to say about Edu Gaspar after what he’s done this week, and they are right
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has certainly had a busy week.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal’s transfer activity is beginning to gather pace.
Arsenal announced the signing of Mikel Merinoearlier today, and Edu Gaspar will have worked hard on that deal for several weeks.
That is not the only agreement that the Brazilian has reached this week, either.
The Gunners have also made a decision about the future of Fabio Vieira.
The Portuguese playmaker has largely flattered to deceive since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta has afforded the 24-year-old plenty of opportunities to impress, and there have been flashes of quality, but he has not done nearly enough to cement himself as a regular starter.
As such, Arsenal will allow Vieira to re-join Porto on loan. He will head back to where he began his career, now looking to get it back on track.
Arsenal fans hail Edu over Fabio Vieira deal
The Gunners have structured Vieira’s loan deal in an interesting way that ought to benefit the club.
The loan fee that the Portuguese club will have to pay Arsenal will be based on how many appearances Vieira makes, and other objectives and conditions. There is a penalty clause included in the agreement if he does not feature in at least half of their matches.
Many Arsenal supporters on X have been impressed by the nous Edu has shown in the construction of this deal.
One said: “Penalty clause is smart i can’t lie. Play man to develop him properly or pay.”
Another added: “That does look like a very good plan for all parties tbf.”
One stated: “This conditions? it’s hard to make them any better for Arsenal, either he develops and the integrate him next year/have resale value or we get money, win win for us.”
Another Arsenal fan claimed: “This is a great deal though which is all that matters.”
Another chipped in with: “It looks like we don’t want to sell him we just want him to get minutes.”
What Vieira needs to do at Porto to save Arsenal future
The way this loan move has been structured suggests that Arteta is not yet willing to entirely give up on Vieira having a future in North London. Surely, though, the player now finds himself in the last chance saloon.
The midfielder needs to stay fit and impress this season. He needs to build up his confidence and show the qualities that convinced Arsenal to pay £30 million for his services in the first place.
He also needs to nail down a position and excel in it. He has been shifted around the pitch at Arsenal, which hasn’t helped him to settle. If he does return to the Emirates Stadium, though, he needs to be ready to hit the ground running at that time.
