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Arsenal new signing Fabio Vieira comes with a lot of attacking talent and the Portuguese has shared some more insight on his abilities.
THE LOWDOWN: CURIOUS WAIT ALMOST OVER
We reported earlier about Fabio Vieira yet to play a game for Arsenal since joining in a £34.2 million switch from Porto. The Portuguese is yet to take part in any of the Gunners’ pre-season fixtures, amid a current bone injury on his foot.
Given the secrecy and surprise that came with his signing, fans have been itching to see the player take to the pitch and perhaps justify the price tag Arsenal spent on his signature. The wait is almost over though, with the player now close to full recovery and available for selection under Mikel Arteta.
THE LATEST: VIEIRA MAKES HIS PICK
Reflecting on his first month at Arsenal, Vieira shared his excitement at moving to the Emirates and also echoed similar sentiments that he can’t wait to get on the pitch as well.
In an interview with the club’s official website, he said: “It’s been good, everyone has welcomed me and I’m ready to start this new challenge. It’s a small injury I picked up one month ago with the national team but now I feel better and in a few days I’ll come back.
“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get started and play with our supporters at Emirates Stadium. It’s an honour for me to be here.”
Viera enjoyed a brilliant individual campaign for Porto last term, scoring seven times and recording 16 assists, including two hat-tricks of assists. Mikel Arteta will be hoping for another similar impact in the Arsenal lineup but which would the Portuguese rather do – score or assist?
“I like to score goals but I prefer assists,” he added. “I like to do the last pass and this is one of my best characteristics.
“I want to achieve getting into the Champions League. It’s really important for this club. We deserve it and we have to work hard every day to achieve that.”
THE VERDICT: RIGHT MENTALITY SO FAR
Mikel Arteta once said he would not go for players who have to be convinced to join Arsenal and the recent recruits hint that he wasn’t bluffing. Every single one of Arsenal’s signings so far have spoken about their excitement at joining the club.
With Vieira favouring assists over goals, it would come as a welcome development for the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who would be the club’s go-to names for goals in the upcoming campaign.
As it stands, Odegaard is the designated starter in the attacking midfield role but only time will tell if Vieira may yet end up making that position his own.
