Liverpool secure first option on signing Fabio Vieira

Liverpool are ready to beat Arsenal in the pursuit of FC Porto starlet Fabio Vieira this summer.

According to Sunday Mirror (h/t HITC), Liverpool have landed a first refusal option on Fabio Vieira. The FC Porto starlet has been attracting a lot of attention due to his impressive performances in the Portuguese top-flight and is regarded as the next big thing to come out of the club’s youth academy.

Liverpool and Arsenal are two of the English clubs who have kept close tabs on Vieira. But it appears Liverpool have the upper hand thanks to their close relationship with FC Porto. They have negotiated a first refusal option which means the Reds will get the opportunity to act first on Vieira’s potential move away from Porto.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Vieira has been a part of the FC Porto academy since 2008. He rode his way through the ranks to receive his promotion to the first team in the summer of 2020 before eventually enjoying his professional breakthrough during the 2020/21 campaign.

While the 21-year-old only played a bit-part role for Porto last season, he has become a far more prominent figure in the first team in the ongoing campaign. With six goals and 14 assists in just 27 league matches, he has been the best playmaker in the Portuguese top-flight this term.

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Vieira has impressed the onlookers with his ability to create chances in the final third, coupled with his dynamism and a knack for scoring important goals. His contributions have been critical in helping Porto reclaim the league title, and it could only be a matter of time before he joins a top club.

Although Fabio Vieira’s contract at FC Porto doesn’t expire until 2025, he has a release clause worth around £12.7 million. While any club are able to match this figure, Liverpool have negotiated a clause which would force Porto to consult the Reds first before accepting other offers.

It should serve as a massive boost for the Merseyside giants, giving them a valuable safety net for signing a playmaker, especially if they miss out on top targets such as Carlos Soler, who is valued at a staggering €40 million by Valencia.

This development comes as a blow for Arsenal, though, who are hoping to add more quality options to their attacking unit in the summer. With Nicolas Pepe on his way out, a versatile player like Vieira can be a handy signing, while also adding more creativity to their midfield unit alongside Martin Odegaard. But, it seems like Liverpool have the advantage in the race for the 21-year-old.

Liverpool have already found immense success by doing business with FC Porto this January, by bringing in Luis Diaz. There is no reason why Fabio Vieira cannot follow in the Colombian’s footsteps, as he looks to take the next step in his career this summer.