What Mikel Arteta honestly thinks of Fabio Vieira after Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe transfer decision

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Mikel Arteta has taken a clear position on Fabio Vieira at Arsenal whilst Emile Smith Rowe is now heading for the exit.

Emile Smith Rowe now looks destined to leave Arsenal this summer. 

Mikel Arteta has practically admitted that the midfielder is on his way out of the club, as the manager explained Smith Rowe’s lack of involvement in the friendly against Bournemouth as being due to events unfolding in the “background” concerning the player. 

The Hale End academy graduate is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, but has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons. A switch to Fulham ought to afford Smith Rowe the opportunity to get the regular game time that he needs to get his career back on track. 

Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira did feature for Arsenal against Bournemouth in Los Angeles. The Portuguese playmaker started the game, and began his pre-season campaign in style as he volleyed the Gunners ahead in the first half. 

Arteta will be hoping that Vieira can take some confidence from that strike, as he needs the 24-year-old to step up and prove his worth this season.

• READ MORE: Arsenal squad numbers 2024/25 and the history of each shirt

Mikel Arteta’s position on Fabio Vieira clear as Arsenal prepare to axe Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal Insider sources understand that Vieira is a player that Arteta really likes, but that is also true of a number of players in his squad.

However, the Spanish coach is convinced that Vieira can offer something. They could easily have sold him this summer, but as it stands he isn’t going anywhere. He is one to watch this season, as long as he stays fit.

Vieira must prove himself worthy of remaining at Arsenal over Smith Rowe

Since his arrival from Porto in the summer of 2022, Vieira has flattered to deceive somewhat. The midfielder has shown flashes of quality and is clearly technically gifted, but has been inconsistent, unable to cope with the physicality of the Premier League at times, and has all too often gone missing in matches. 

In truth, in the long-term, there was never likely to be room for both Vieira and Smith Rowe in this squad. It is clear that Arteta has nailed his colours to the former Porto man, and as such the pressure is now on that player to stand up and deliver. 

Vieira has had two full seasons to adapt to life at Arsenal and get used to the Premier League now. There are no more excuses, he needs to carry on as he has started in this pre-season and show that he can regularly make a positive impact over the course of the coming campaign.