In an era in which Arsenal have been struggling for creativity and goals at the Emirates Stadium, Fabio Vieira has been thriving out on loan.
Arsenal allowed Vieira to return to FC Porto for the season, a midfielder who was struggling for fitness and confidence in north London.
And whilst the midfielder needed a period to get back to top condition in Portugal, Vieira is beginning to star for Porto.
Mikel Arteta was so excited when Arsenal signed Vieira back in 2022, and perhaps the rationale behind his faith in the number 10 is now being justified.
And following two recent strikes for his boyhood club, Vieira has now made it three goals in three.
Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira is showing a new side of his game at FC Porto on loan
The on-loan Arsenal midfielder netted his fifth goal of the season in Porto’s 2-0 win over Avs Futebol on Saturday – a delightful left-footed volley to secure all three points.
And interestingly, Portuguese source A Bola praised Vieira after the game for how he was organising the side’s attack, suggesting that he was acting as an experienced and calm head.
Vieira is often praised for his creativity and finesse, but this represents a whole new side to his game from an Arsenal point of view.
Scoring his 77 minutes at right wing, the review wrote: “Another return that was much welcomed by Porto fans. The team had lost its creativity at Pedreira, but the return of the number 10 brought back some judgement and organisation in the final third.
“He had a shot on goal in the 3rd minute and 43rd minute, but Ochoa , first, and then his lack of accuracy prevented him from celebrating.
“But the smile would really come out in the second half, with a piece of supreme quality: a cross from the left by Francisco Moura and a first-time shot from the left-hander, close to the penalty spot, to seal the final result.”
Will Arsenal sell Fabio Vieira this summer?
Of course, Vieira’s strong form comes at an interesting point when considering that a decision will need to be made over his future in the coming weeks and months.
The former Portugal under-21 international still has a contract at Arsenal until 2027, putting the Gunners in a reasonably strong position to negotiate any move.
Many might imagine that Vieira either needs to be sold this summer or be reintegrated into Arteta’s side with a purpose.
Arsenal want to sign Martin Zubimendi but there’s seemingly no plans to recruit a new number 10 as things stand, meaning there could be a chance for Vieira.
An interesting sub-plot to Arsenal’s busy summer ahead, and perhaps the 24-year-old isn’t done in N5 just yet.
