Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be about to sanction a shock exit from his squad, as he prepares to improve his side this January.

The Gunners have had a mixed first 12 games of the season, with results largely going Arsenal's way despite performances ranging in fluidity. The attack has failed to gel so far despite the improvement in defence, with some pointing to a new forward being the answer to bringing the North Londoners' back to their best.

But despite Arteta potentially bringing in new blood in January, there could be significant departures to rebalance the squad. 

Italian transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano has told CaughtOffside that Portuguese playmaker Fabio Vieira could well be sent on loan, having struggled to settle at the Emirates Stadium following his 2022 move.

Vieira has been eased into life in the Premier League, playing backup to Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard before getting a chance to start at the beginning of this season. But opportunities have dried up with Kai Havertz ahead of him in the pecking order – and Vieira was sent off and subsequently banned for three matches in his last appearance in the Premier League, at home to Burnley. 

Intriguingly, the 23-year-old was thrust into a youth fixture recently, suggesting that Arteta is unhappy with his cameo against the Clarets.

Olympique Marseille are reportedly interested in bringing the midfielder to southern France.

Transfermarkt estimates that Vieira is worth €45 million.