The latest Serie A transfer news has revealed that Arsenal legends Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas are set to go toe-to-toe for a trio of unwanted Gunners stars.
Both former midfield maestros became world beaters under the guidance of Arsene Wenger during the 1990s and 2000s.
The duo played together for just one season in north London. Vieira made his mark when he moved to Highbury in 1996 and Fabregas made his breakthrough in 2004-05. The only campaign they shared the pitch as team-mates.
The former played for the club for nine years and won three English Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three Community Shields. Vieira was also part of the 2004 Invincibles and won the 1998 World Cup.
Fabregas wasn’t as successful on the field as Vieira in terms of trophies. However, the Spaniard tasted international glory whilst a Gunner. He won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup.
Both heroes are still held in very high regard at the Emirates after their exploits for the Gunners. Now, the majestic duo are using their history and starred status with the club to help attract three forgotten Reds midfielders.
Serie A Transfer News – Genoa And Como’s Done Deals
With their glory days on the pitch as players very much behind them, Genoa’s Patrick Vieira and Como’s Cesc Fabregas are doing their utmost to deliver success as managers.
Vieira has done a very admirable job at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium since taking over in November. The Frenchman guided the Red and Blues to a mid-table finish in Serie A last season.
During the summer transfer window, the Frenchman has drafted in midfielders Albert Gronbaek and Nicolae Stanciu so far. Recent reports suggest Genoa have approached AC Milan for forward Lorenzo Colombo on a season-long loan.
Vieira remains active in the window and is seeking new players all over the pitch. A top-half finish is a realistic target for 2025-26.
Meanwhile, Fabregas turned down the Inter job to carry on his fine work at the Sinigaglia. The Como project is really gaining momentum and the Spaniard has already signed Fellipe Jack, Alex Valle, Ignace Van der Brempt and Martin Baturina.
The latter was the Blue and Whites record signing and the Croatian star arrives with a glowing reputation. Similar to his former teammate, Fabregas finished mid-table after Como secured promotion from Serie B in 2023-24.
Alvaro Morata, Malick Thiaw and Andreas Schjelderup have all been linked with a switch to join Fabregas. However, the Spanish boss – alongside Vieira – are closely monitoring a trio of Arsenal’s forgotten men.
The players in question are winger Reiss Nelson, attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira and central midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. They all spent the last season away from the Emirates on loan and remain surplus at the Gunners.
Will Reiss Nelson Leave Arsenal?
Although he has chimed in with some vital performances and goals over the years, Reiss Nelson looks likely to leave Arsenal again this summer. In 2024-25, the winger spent the season with Fulham.
However, his time at Craven Cottage was cruelly cut short owing to a serious hamstring injury that required surgery. With a strong pre-season under his belt, he’ll make a brilliant addition to either Genoa or Como.
Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas are more than aware of Nelson’s abilities. Furthermore, he would add a new dimension to the attack that both managers require and would be open to a loan move to Serie A.
The 25-year-old has previously been farmed out to Germany and Holland on a temporary basis so a potential move to Italy wouldn’t deter Nelson. Especially to play under Vieira or Fabregas.
Would Fabio Vieira Make A Good Addition For Genoa Or Como?
Fabio Vieira arrived at Arsenal with a glowing reputation but was unable to mark his mark in north London. Aged 25, the Portuguese midfielder has plenty of years ahead of him.
Injuries have hampered Vieira’s progress at the Emirates and he was loaned out to former employers Porto for the 2024-25 campaign.
That temporary switch certainly paid off as Vieira re-established his best form after injuries slowed his progress under Mikel Arteta. A move back to the Portuguese giants has already been ruled out.
Therefore, a potential move to either Genoa or Como would make a lot of sense. Vieira would suit the style of play in Serie A and he would certainly learn a lot under Patrick Vieira or Cesc Fabregas.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s Transfer News
Albert Sambi Lokonga has already played under Patrick Vieira when they were both at Crystal Palace in 2023. Although the relationship didn’t last long owing to Vieira’s dismissal, Lokonga admitted he enjoyed playing under the Frenchman.
Genoa have already drafted in two midfielders but have seen three players leave in the same position. The duo would be happy to reaffirm their positive association. Even if it was once again on a loan basis.
From Cesc Fabregas’s perspective, Lokonga arrived at Arsenal with a similar reputation as the Spaniard but has been a long way off replicating his career to date.
The best cashout betting sites all favor a Vieira and Lokonga reunion. However, the 25-year-old could be tempted to play under Fabregas if he is assured of enough game time after recent loan spells with Sevilla and Luton Town.
