Ex-Arsenal coach planning transfer raid for forgotten Gunner at new club

Cuesta made an emotional exit from the Emirates Stadium earlier this summer before taking his first managerial role in Italy with Parma. Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, he is lining up a deal for attacking midfielder Vieira, who arrived in north London in 2022 but failed to make himself a crucial part of Arteta's squad.

After a loan spell with boyhood club Porto, the Portuguese is on the lookout for his next move and Cuesta is keen to link up with the 25-year-old. However, Arsenal are hoping to recoup some of the £29.9 million (€34.6 million/$40.5 million) they forked out three years ago and are asking for £17.2 million (€20 million/$23.3 million) to sanction his departure.

After scoring just three goals in 49 Arsenal appearances, Vieira returned to Porto last year and enjoyed a more fruitful campaign. The former Portugal Under-21 international found more form in the Primeira Liga, scoring four goals alongside four assists, and featured at the Club World Cup as Porto were knocked out in the group stages.

Vieira is likely to move on this summer as Arteta looks to reshape his squad in pursuit of silverware in the 2025-26 season. Deals have already been wrapped up for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while the Gunners are also hopeful of bringing in striker Viktor Gyokeres.