Parma target Fabio Vieira in Cuesta’s first transfer move

Fabio Vieira has emerged as the top target for new Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta, who is eager to reunite with the playmaker he once helped nurture at Arsenal.

Cuesta’s Serie A project takes shape

Cuesta, appointed by Parma after their promotion to Serie A, is wasting no time in reshaping the squad. Italian reports claim the 28-year-old tactician sees Vieira as the creative hub of his 4-3-3 system and has already opened talks with Arsenal over a season-long loan that could include an option to buy.

Vieira’s stalled Arsenal career

Signed from Porto for £29.9 million in 2022, the Portuguese midfielder struggled for minutes under Mikel Arteta and was sent back to Portugal on loan last term. Despite flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded him, and his pathway at the Emirates remains blocked by Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe.

Why Parma makes sense

Parma’s return to the top flight demands creativity and set-piece craft—attributes Vieira possesses in abundance. Cuesta’s intimate knowledge of the 24-year-old’s strengths could revive a career in danger of drifting, while Arsenal would trim their wage bill and potentially raise future funds.

Financial framework

The Gialloblu cannot match Arsenal’s original fee, but a structured deal—initial loan, €15 million purchase clause and performance bonuses—has been floated. Arsenal are thought to be receptive if it accelerates other incoming business.

Short opinion: A switch to Parma feels the perfect reset button for Fabio Vieira. Regular minutes in a less pressurised environment, coupled with Cuesta’s trust, could finally unlock the talent Arsenal fans glimpsed but never fully enjoyed.