Arsenal’s midfield could be set for further trimming as Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart pursue a permanent move for Fabio Vieira. The German side have opened talks with the Gunners over a deal, with Vieira’s lack of game time in North London likely to make this a straightforward exit if terms are met.

Vieira, now 25, was signed from Porto in 2022 for an initial €35 million. Despite a promising reputation, his two seasons at the Emirates saw limited involvement. After a loan spell back at Porto in 2024-25, where he helped them to a third-place finish, his stock has risen again – but seemingly not enough to secure a future under Mikel Arteta.

His name has even surfaced in online sports betting circles, with fans looking to profit from the latest transfer developments. With Arsenal's transfer activity constantly in the spotlight, player movements like Vieira’s generate real buzz among punters. On some platforms, odds of 10/1 are being offered for Vieira to join Stuttgart before the window closes, reflecting a mix of speculation and inside whispers. Interestingly, more punters are now turning to non gamstop betting sites, which tend to offer more flexible markets, fewer restrictions, and better pricing on niche transfer markets like this one – including wagers on exact transfer fees, destination clubs, and even contract clauses.

Stuttgart see Vieira as a versatile attacking midfielder capable of unlocking defences, and talks are ongoing with Arsenal to find a fee acceptable to all parties. While Arsenal initially paid up to €40m for the Portuguese international, reports suggest they’d now settle for around £30m.

With two years left on his current deal, the timing feels right for Arsenal to move him on. Arteta’s midfield is already stacked with talent, and Vieira’s pathway to regular minutes is as congested as ever. The club would benefit from recouping funds, particularly with other summer business still on the table.

Vieira's technical ability has never been in question, but he struggled to adjust to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. Stuttgart, playing a more possession-focused brand of football, could offer the ideal environment for his talents to shine.

Though his time in red and white may be ending, Vieira leaves having shown flashes of quality – notably in Europe and domestic cups. But with competition from the likes of Ødegaard, Rice, and Smith Rowe, his prospects at Arsenal were always going to be limited.

Should the move go through, it will likely be seen as a pragmatic piece of business by Arsenal. Offloading a fringe player for a solid fee fits the club’s evolving model under Edu and Arteta. Now it’s just a question of when – not if – Vieira departs.

For Arsenal fans, there’s a lingering sense of what could’ve been. When Fabio Vieira arrived from Porto, expectations were high – a technically gifted midfielder with vision, flair, and the potential to unlock Premier League defences. Yet, despite flashes of promise, he never quite cemented his place in Mikel Arteta’s plans. Injuries, fierce competition for midfield spots, and tactical mismatches limited his impact. 

Now, with Stuttgart pushing to get this deal over the line, Vieira’s next chapter is already taking shape – just not in North London. While it may feel like a missed opportunity for some supporters, others will be watching his Bundesliga journey with curiosity, wondering if the Gunners gave up too soon.