Mikel Arteta has claimed that he was convinced immediately that Fabio Vieira would help Arsenal take that next step as the 22-year-old still awaits the chance to make his full debut for the Gunners – in comments reported on the club’s official website.
Vieira was one player Arsenal fans were incredibly excited about heading into the campaign. After little speculation, the Gunners brought the youngster to the Emirates for £34 million.
Unfortunately, an injury in pre-season has delayed Vieira’s proper introduction into the side. In fact, he only made his debut for the club at the weekend in their clash with Manchester United.
The Europa League may present an ideal stage for Arteta to properly unleash Vieira this week. Certainly, the Arsenal boss believes that the starlet is getting closer to really forcing his way into the fold.
“We were looking for very specific qualities in the market and when I saw him, I really liked what I saw. Straight away, I was convinced that he was a player who can help us go to the next level and that he had the right personality and character to play for our club,” he said, as reported by the club’s official website.
It’s a shame that we detected an injury when we were doing the medical. He had no pre-season and everything has been delayed, but hopefully you’re going to see a lot more of him in the next few weeks, and I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it.”
Arteta convinced Vieira would help Arsenal
The depth Arsenal now have is seriously exciting. They have so much quality across the pitch. And that has helped the club set the early pace in the Premier League.
What will worry the Gunners’ rivals is that there is a lot more to come from Arteta’s men. The likes of Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe and Vieira have made two league starts between them so far.
There are still areas where Arsenal could be stronger. But they are still building. And they are most definitely moving in the right direction.
It will be brilliant to see what Vieira can indeed do when the time comes to really give him his chance. Judging by Arteta’s comments, that time is edging ever closer.