Mikel Arteta has already explained Fabio Vieira transfer decision as Arsenal star linked with loan recall

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As Arsenal prepare for the January transfer window, rumours have started to circulate surrounding Fabio Vieira and his time at FC Porto.

It comes as the Gunners look to strengthen their forward ranks in the coming weeks, with injuries starting to impact the availability of some key stars.

Recent issues for Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling have left the right flank looking light on numbers, while there are few natural replacements for Martin Odegaard.

As a result, Arsenal have been linked with a loan recall for Fabio Vieira, following an impressive opening half of the campaign back at Porto.

Mikel Arteta, however, has already revealed his reason for letting the playmaker leave Arsenal in the summer, which may hint at his decision for January too.

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What Mikel Arteta said about Fabio Vieira loan move

Fabio Vieira has struggled to make an impact since joining Arsenal in 2022, with a lack of opportunities and minutes hindering his chances.

With the Portuguese midfielder looking to make more of an impact while developing elsewhere, his return to Porto offered that chance to rediscover his best form.

While he has done so, the lack of attacking options has since hurt his parent club, with a loan recall being spoken about as an option.

It’s unclear whether Arsenal will recall Vieira, though Arteta’s previous discussion on the subject suggests something very clear.

Speaking in early December about the midfielder, he said: “We allowed Fabio [Vieira] to go as well because we wanted to create the room and the space for Ethan [Nwaneri].

“He has given us every reason to trust him. He’s shown that he’s ready to make the next step, and it’s great to have him.”

With those opportunities now open for Ethan Nwaneri to make an impact, it suggests a recall for Vieira is unlikely.

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Mikel Arteta must give Ethan Nwaneri more Arsenal chances

While Arteta has certainly suggested that he has opened up a pathway for Nwaneri to feature more, which he has, there is a chance for even more responsibility ahead.

With Bukayo Saka’s injury, there is an opportunity for the youngster to play on the right flank, while upcoming cup games could see him play centrally, on the left or even up front.

While talk of giving Nwaneri those chances is quite big, backing that up with actions and showing him that pathway is the biggest risk of all.

Given the struggles within the squad at the moment, handing opportunities to the Hale End academy prospect is a bold but important call to make.