New signing Fabio Vieira reveals his favourite position

Arsenal secured the signing of Fabio Vieira for £34m last month, and the midfielder gave an insight into his best position on the pitch.

For signings that shocked and stunned the general football world, Arsenal’s signing of Fabio Vieira from FC Porto would nearly be top of the list.

With no news, no rumours, no nothing on the 22-year-old, the Gunners swooped in on one of the brightest prospects in Europe. The deal was done in such darkness that nobody knew about the deal until it was already sealed.

The attacking midfielder was brought to the club to bring competition to the first-team in the creative department, with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe the two occupying the role in the side at present.

Now, with European football a part of Arsenal’s calendar this season, squad depth is critical, and that is where Vieira comes in. It is not known if Arteta sees the Portuguese as a rotational player or one that will challenge the likes of Odegaard and Smith Rowe.

New signing Fabio Vieira reveals his favourite position

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Vieira detailed his preferred position on the pitch and added that he needs to work on the defensive side of his game.

"“The manager told me he knows I can play as a midfielder – number eight or ten – or on the wing, left side or right side. They know I am a versatile player,” Vieira said.“I prefer number ten. It’s my real position. I’m an offensive player but I need to work on the defensive side. Defensive moments are very important in football, especially in the Premier League. It’s more physical, more powerful. I am focused on this.“My coaches at Porto worked with me last season to improve my physical capacity and my concentration in defensive moments.”"

Being able to respond defensively is going to be a big thing for the 22-year-old to get right. We have seen Thomas Partey play a deeper role and to a high level. Even with Odegaard and Smith Rowe, for all their output going forward, Arteta still relies on them to perform their defensive duties, too.

Given the fast-paced nature of the Premier League, the Portuguese star will need to get that part of his game on point.

We have not seen Vieira in action over pre-season just yet as he recovers from a foot injury, but it is hoped that he will see some action while the Gunners are on their US tour.