ARSENAL NEAR £30m DEAL FOR PORTO STAR

ARSENAL are closing in on a £30million deal to make Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira their first major signing of the summer. The 22-year-old, a Portugal Under 21 international, is expected to have a medical today before signing a five-year contract.

Vieira, a versatile attacking midfielder, came through the Porto academy and helped them win the Portuguese title last season. mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad and Arsenal are believed to have offered Porto around £30m plus add-ons.

Vieira enjoyed a breakthrough year last season, with six goals and 14 assists in 27 league appearances. No Arsenal player was involved in as many goals in last season’s Premier League. Arteta has already signed Brazilian teenage forward marquinhos but the arrival of Vieira would be a huge boost, given the club’s ‘big six’ rivals have moved quickly to strengthen in key areas. Arsenal have also made an initial bid of between £30-35m for manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, but City are holding out for £50m. Jesus, who would be open to a move to the Emirates, has interest from Tottenham and Chelsea, too. Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans remains an Arsenal target and the 25-year-old is into the last year of his contract. But it is believed he could sign for another year at Leicester if the right offers don’t come in. Raphinha is an option, too, but the Leeds winger appears set on Barcelona, provided they can raise the required fee.