Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira has now played 32 games for FC Porto in all competitions on loan back at his boyhood club this season.
Vieira has netted five goals and four assists in those games and the Arsenal loanee has now begun to thrive under new manager Martin Anselmi who was appointed in January.
Vieira has seen a surge in minutes and responsibility since the Argentinian took over, and that’s even entailed playing in a slightly deeper role.
Arteta was delighted when Arsenal signed Vieira three years ago, but the 24-year-old never delivered the necessary consistency in north London, despite showing some promising moments.
Therefore, a loan back to Porto for the season seemed like a good idea for all parties, and it’s evident that Vieira is now slowly beginning to regain his confidence – an exciting development for Arsenal.
Fabio Vieira now being hailed as FC Porto’s most important player
That being said, Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha have now shared a feature explaining how Vieira has become the ‘most influential player’ for Porto over their last seven games.
According to the report, Vieira has ‘gained new life’ under Anselmi’s management playing in a new position, a slightly deeper midfield role.
Vieira has scored three goals and provided two assists in those seven games mentioned and his performances have been described as ‘decisive’.
Before Porto manager Sergio Conceicao left the club to join AC Milan at the turn of the year, Vieira was still contributing to the course.
However, the feature does now explain that the Arsenal number 10 has become the club’s standout player with his ‘technical quality and skill’.
Porto are on the eve of a crucial game against Benfica in the Primeira Liga, and Vieira has now been stated as one of those who can make the difference – a huge complement for the Arsenal man.
Does Fabio Vieira still have a future at Arsenal?
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that Vieira has a contract with Arsenal until 2027.
The 24-year-old also doesn’t have an option-to-buy clause inserted in his loan deal – he’ll be returning to Arsenal at the end of the season.
Although, it is currently very difficult to say what will happen with Vieira’s future thereafter.
Arsenal rejected a Saudi Pro League bid for Vieira just under a year ago, and perhaps that interest could be revived once again.
But with the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal it is currently hard to see how Vieira will demand first-team minutes under Arteta back in N5, regardless of the progress he’s making out on loan.
