The Portugal international joined the Gunners from Porto two years ago, but he has since played only 2,000 minutes in all competitions.

He was largely an unused substitute during the second half of last season, having failed to impress Mikel Arteta in training.

A Bola now report that the 24-year-old intends to leave the Gunners and would prefer a potential return to his former club.

Porto are preparing for the possible exit of Francisco Conceicao and would like to sign Vieira on loan for a portion of his wages.

Arsenal , on the other hand, are said to prefer a permanent sale to boost their spending power. They want to recoup the £30m fee spent on him.

Aside from Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Emile Smith Rowe could also head for the exit door in the coming weeks.

Thomas Partey could also be sold with his contract expiring next summer. He has been injury prone over the past four years.

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