Mikel Arteta happy with Fabio Vieira amid exit rumours

Rumours have been circulating suggesting Fabio Vieira could leave Arsenal on loan.

Express UK reports that Arsenal aren’t ruling out a surprise loan exit for Fabio Vieira. According to Fabrizio Romano, Marseille are said to be interested in signing the player.

Vieira joined Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £34m. Since joining the Gunners, he has merely flashed the talent he displayed so regularly for Porto.

Racking up a total of three goals and nine assists in the 46 appearances he has made for the north London side, Vieira has struggled to make an impression in the Premier League. In fact, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard in the main squad, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder has found it hard to break into the starting XI.

Mikel Arteta suggests Fabio Vieira has “changed” amid exit rumours

Vieira has undeniably displayed significant potential and has delivered noteworthy performances in cup competitions. Nevertheless, there are instances where the absence of experience becomes apparent. In Arsenal’s previous game against Burnley, Vieira was sent off for a nasty challenge while his side were aiming to seal the three points.

The sending off didn’t affect the outcome of the game, but it was a silly move nonetheless. A direct red means that Vieira will be suspended for the next three Premier League games. The Gunners are currently thin on midfield options due to injuries, and Vieira’s unavailability certainly doesn’t help Arteta.

Regardless, the Portuguese has proved that he is a high-potential player and it doesn’t seem as if Arteta would be willing to let Vieira depart, even on loan, this winter.

Speaking after the Burnley game, Arteta said: “We knew that Fabio would have a big impact, especially in the last few minutes, or final minutes if we needed something.”

“Something has changed with Fabio, you notice with the crowd when he steps in he is different to how he was last year. He’s more mature, he’s more senior in the squad and his confidence in the squad is high so I’m really happy to have those options.” Arteta added.

As mentioned before, Marseille are said to have an interest in signing the player. Speaking on the Caught Offside podcast, Romano said, “Marseille have been linked with an interest in signing Fabio Vieira on loan, but it’s too early to say on this one.”

“Arsenal have not decided anything yet on players to leave in January and also OM have still no director; it will be Mehdi Benatia, who is set to be announced this week, but it’s still early to negotiate for players.”

Even though nothing is certain as of yet, Vieira will continue to make appearances for the Gunners, especially over the festive period. A hectic schedule will force heavy rotations.

Mikel Arteta has not made any comments about any outgoings and incomings. However, it is believed that Arsenal will head into the January window primarily focusing on getting in a midfielder, possibly a striker, and defender.