fans should be ‘very excited’ about new signing Fabio Vieira, according to Portugal defender and former Premier League star Jose Fonte.
Vieira has joined the Gunners in a £34m deal from Porto, signing a long-term contract at the Emirates.
The 22-year-old impressed for Porto last season, helping the club win the Primeira Liga title by scoring six goals and providing a league-high 14 assists.
While Vieira is yet to play for Portugal, he was voted player of the tournament at last year’s European Under-21 Championship.
Fonte believes his compatriot is a ‘very talented’ player and says Arsenal fans should be excited to see the midfielder in action for the Gunners next season.
‘He’s a very exciting young player who is very talented on the ball and intelligent,’ Fonte told .
‘Arsenal fans should be very excited because he’s the sort of player that they’ll like and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the Premier League.’
Asked whether Vieira was ready to make an impact for the Gunners, Fonte added: ‘He plays for Porto and had a great season for Porto who were playing in European competitions.
‘If he can perform in the Champions League and can perform at the highest level then you are prepared for anything.
‘The Premier League is probably the best league in the world, but the Champions League is not far behind so I think that he can take care of himself. I think he is ready to start for Arsenal.’
Vieira became Arsenal’s third summer signing after Marquinhos and Matt Turner, while the Gunners remain in talks with Manchester City and Leeds United over deals for Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he was delighted to welcome Vieira to north London as he looks to build on a mixed 2021-22 campaign which saw the Gunners finish fifth.
‘I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent,’ Arteta said. ‘Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play.
‘We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season.’
Arsenal technical director Edu added: ‘We’re so pleased to have completed the signing of Fabio from Porto. Fabio is a player with special qualities who is comfortable with the ball in the final third of the pitch.
‘We are all looking forward to working with him and enjoying his future contribution to Arsenal. We will now continue to work hard and are looking forward to finishing this transfer window as strongly possible.’
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