West Ham add Arsenal midfielder who once angered Declan Rice to transfer shortlist
West Ham may have sprinkled their squad with new signings, but they still have work to do ahead of the new season.
Although it was not that long ago, the mood in East London feels like a stark contrast to when Declan Rice lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in 2023.
Since then, the Hammers have gone through three managers, while Rice is yet to win another significant trophy at the Emirates.
Now, the Irons are considering bringing a player who once angered their former starlet to the London Stadium.
West Ham considering Fabio Vieira transfer approach
Kyle Walker-Peters is the most recent acquisition for West Ham, having joined on a free transfer following his Southampton exit.
The right back joined Jean-Clair Todibo, Daniel Cummings, and El Hadji Malick Diouf as new arrivals at the London Stadium.
Now, Graham Potter’s side are pressing on with other targets with just a couple of weeks until the Premier League season kicks off.
The East London outfit have added Fabio Vieira to their list of midfield options, according to Ben Jacobs (28 July)
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 33 | 2 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 17 | 2 | 4 |
| 2024/25 | 42 | 5 | 6 |
Although no approach has yet been made to Arsenal, the 25-year-old is a name of interest.
Jacobs also reports that West Ham are planning to add multiple midfielders this summer.
Vieira has two years remaining on his contract and spent last season on loan with FC Porto, where he made 42 appearances in all competitions.
Why Declan Rice was annoyed by Fabio Vieira
Before his loan switch to Portugal, Vieira was utilised as a squad player by Mikel Arteta, but his opportunities grew more sparse.
In October 2023, the midfielder came on as a substitute for the Gunners in their Champions League group stage fixture against RC Lens.
The Portuguese replaced Bukayo Saka, who went down off the ball, in what cannot be regarded as a like-for-like change.
Rice cried out for Vieira to come closer to him to receive the ball, but the 25-year-old was calling desperately for the ball to be played long and in behind.
Instead, the England international turned back and switched play before spinning back to Vieira, arms outstretched and bemoaning his lack of understanding, according to Football.London (3 October 2023).
While a move to East London would mean he is away from Rice, West Ham supporters would hope for better communication if he were to secure a move.
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