(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 18 August 2025 11:04, UK

West Ham are talking about a late move to beat rivals to the signing of Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira, according to their former scout.

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Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old’s agent has been in contact with the Hammers this summer.

However, while he remains a name on their list and could become an option should they miss out on other targets, it is unlikely they will make a move at this stage.

Meanwhile, reports [The Athletic] have claimed Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are working on a deal to sign the attacking midfielder as Mikel Arteta plans to move him on.

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Graham Potter is keen to strengthen his midfield options this summer and has a number of top names on his radar in the closing stages of the transfer window.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 17 August that West Ham could cash in on Andy Irving to raise funds for reinvestment as he is attracting interest from Celtic.

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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Brown told Football Insider that West Ham want to sign Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes and are planning to step up their interest.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Vieira is another name on the list, although there are preferred options ahead of him.

“Arsenal have been looking to sell Fabio Vieira,” he told Football Insider.

“He doesn’t have a part to play under Mikel Arteta, so they want to cash in.

“His agent has been in contact with a number of clubs to find him that move, and I believe West Ham are one they’ve spoken to.

“Graham Potter wants to sign a new midfielder, so I have no doubt he’s a name on their list.

Graham Potter is determined to strengthen his squad.

(Credit: Imago)

“But I would be surprised if they made a move for him now, to be honest.

“I think there are other names and different types of player who they would prefer to bring in.

“Personally I think they’d prefer more of an all-action, box-to-box midfielder who can contribute at both ends of the pitch, not just going forward.

“I don’t think Vieira has shown that at all at Arsenal, he’s not that type of player.

“So as I say, I wouldn’t expect them to make a move for him.”

Potter’s attempts to strengthen his squad in the latter stages of the transfer window have seen a number of players linked with a move to the London Stadium.

Football Insider revealed on 12 August that West Ham were interested in Liverpool’s Ben Doak, but he is now believed to be closing in on a move to Bournemouth.

West Ham had been interested in signing Ben Doak.

(Credit: Imago)

It has been a frustrating summer for the Hammers, who have been restricted by financial rules, as they have recruited just four players so far.

As a result, there is a feeling that the squad is still in need of upgrades, especially following the 3-0 defeat to Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season.

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