Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful start to the summer transfer window, with the Gunners set to announce the Fabio Vieira as the club's second signing. Porto have confirmed that an agreement is in place for the transfer of the 22-year-old, with the north London outfit paying £30m up front and then a further £4m in bonuses taking the overall package to €40m (£34m)
The Portuguese side's statement on Friday morning read: "Deal complete for the amount of €40m, and of these, €5m are dependent on the achievement of sports objectives. As per Goal, the Portugal Under-21 international has been at London Colney to complete all his medical checks, although it may take a couple of days before official confirmation comes that he has signed a five-year deal to become their second confirmed signing of the summer.
Arsenal has been in the market for defensive reinforcements too. According to The Athletic, the north Londoners have enquired about the availability of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer.
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The 24-year-old, who sees his contract at The Johan Cruyff Arena expire in 2025, has been touted as Arteta's top priority. The Argentina international is said to be keen on penning a deal at the Emirates Stadium, though reports claim that the Dutch giants have already rejected a €30million (£25.8m) bid from Edu.
Arsenal will reportedly persevere in their efforts to sign Martinez amid competition from Manchester United spearheaded by former boss Erik ten Hag. Despite the flurry of transfer news taking Arsenal supporters by storm, Edu has shown no sign of slowing down.
So, with that in mind, football.london looks at three ways Arsenal could lineup next season with Vieira and Martinez at Arteta's disposal.
4-3-3
Martinez's versatility puts him in a similar bracket to Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the Argentine able to operate at left-back and defensive midfield, while predominantly plying his trade at centre-back. In this case, the Ajax utility man can operate as a six, making way for William Saliba at the back.
Vieira would be an exciting option in-between the lines and in pockets of space when on the half turn alongside Martin Odegaard. Though, of course, this combination isn't entirely balanced, but one with lots of creative potential.
4-2-3-1
As aforementioned, Martinez's versatility could be a massive boost for Arsenal, though he may not always get into the side. But, he could prove to be a healthy option in midfield with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey subject to various injuries last season.
3-4-2-1
While a back-three has been Arteta's most prominent formation in recent times, both Vieira and Martinez are suitable for the setup. The latter's quality in possession will make the Gunners a threat when playing through the thirds, meanwhile Vieira can enjoy an inside-forward role.
More importantly, Arsenal will still be able to house Saliba in the starting-eleven next season with Martinez's and Vieira's potential arrivals. The former - again - could feature in the double pivot to anchor the midfield and offer some defensive nous.
