Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira set for significant change that could impact Mikel Arteta 

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Arsenal loanee Fabio Vieira is braced for further change following his summer transfer to FC Porto.

Mikel Arteta allowed Vieira to leave Arsenal in order to make a clearer pathway for budding talent Ethan Nwaneri.

The plan mapped out by the Arsenal manager suggests that there’s little chance for Vieira to return and prove himself in N5.

That being said, Vieira has earned rave reviews for his performances at Porto since returning to his former club, giving Arteta something to think about ahead of his return to Colney.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans have a lot to say about Fabio Vieira after seeing what he did on loan at Porto

Fabio Vieira set for change on loan at Porto

Despite showing glimpses of his potential at Arsenal, Vieira is yet to consistently wow in Arteta’s set-up, leading to his loan back to Portugal.

Amid Arsenal’s injury crisis in attack, it was rumoured that the Gunners could recall Vieira however, the attacking midfielder is set to remain at Porto.

Vieira’s loan deal at Porto doesn’t include a recall clause, guaranteeing his future this season to be in his homeland but, that doesn’t exempt the 24-year-old from change.

Having been guided by Vitor Bruno on his return to Porto, the Arsenal loanee is now set for a mix-up as his former boss has been replaced by Martin Anselmi.

Anselmi replaced Bruno at Porto, arriving from Cruz Azul, with a tweak to Vieira’s role anticipated based on the Argentine’s preferred formation in his career.

In Mexico, Anselmi favoured a 3-4-2-1 formation, different to the 4-2-3-1 Vieira has become accustomed to this season. 

The change in manager could trigger a change in formation which for Vieira, could see his role in attacking midfield change to accommodate a different shape.

In a 3-4-2-1, the Portuguese would play behind the striker as he is used to however, without attacking wing support, which could see Vieira cover a lot more ground than he would when confined to the number ten position.

The 24-year-old would no longer be considered Porto’s single source of creativity in central areas, supported by wing-backs rather than out-and-out wide forwards and, expected to drift into zones away from the middle of the park.

What role has Fabio Vieira played at Arsenal?

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas described Anselmi’s football as ‘bold, aggressive and attacking football,’ something that on paper could unearth a new side to Vieira.

At Arsenal, the sometimes fragile forward has been often protected in the number ten pocket however, has more times than often been shoved to the side by Martin Odegaard.

A change in role could make or break Vieira, who is a dazzling creator on his day but, has been urged to improve in other areas to become more of a complete talent for Arteta to integrate into his squad.

Vieira’s role at Porto is something to eye as Anselmi prepares to begin influencing his squad, which could prove to have a significant impact on the Arsenal loanee.