Arsenal were busy in the recent summer transfer window, as a number of players joined the club whilst others left the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta took a number of risks in the market. Signing Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, for instance, was something of a gamble as the winger had struggled to impress at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, the manager also allowed both Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira to depart the club. The former joined Fulham on a permanent basis, whilst Vieira returned to his former club Porto on a loan basis.
This duo’s exit left the Gunners with a dearth of playmakers, and this was felt particularly keenly whilst Martin Odegaard was sidelined with injury. However, Ethan Nwaneri has been able to establish himself at Arsenal, with a pathway to first team football having been cleared for him.
Was Mikel Arteta right to let Fabio Vieira leave on loan?
Meanwhile, Vieira has now scored in back-to-back outings for Porto, after an injury hit start to the campaign.
Arsenal fans have been impressed by Vieira’s form in Portugal, and the 24-year-old will be keen to kick on from here.
The midfielder struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium, and at times looked as though he couldn’t cope with the physicality of the Premier League.
However, with regular football back in his home country, Arteta will be hoping that he can regain some form or confidence.
Does Fabio Vieira have a future at Arsenal?
It is hard to imagine that Vieira has much of a place in Arteta’s future plans. However, if he can continue to impress with Porto then that may change.
Alternatively, Arsenal will be hoping that he can raise his market value so that they can fetch a good price for him to leave the club permanently in the coming summer.
In any case, as things stand, Arteta’s decision to loan Vieira out now looks justified, and the Spanish coach will certainly continue to keep a keen eye on the player’s development.
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