Arsenal fans ‘should be very excited’ after completing Fabio Vieira’s £34million transfer, says ex-Premier League star Jose Fonte

Former Premier League star Jose Fonte believes Arsenal fans should be “very excited” about the signing of Fabio Vieira.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners agreed a deal worth £34million for the Porto star.

Vieira, who can play on the flanks or as a number 10, had a great season with Porto last term, scoring six goals and creating 14 in 27 Primeira Liga appearances.

Upon signing the player, Mikel Arteta described the Portuguese star as “a special talent”, saying: “I am very happy that we have identified and signed such a special talent. Fabio is a very creative player who will bring great quality and versatility to our offensive game.

“We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and look forward to starting working with him ahead of the new season.”

Those comments were certainly backed up by fellow countryman Jose Fonte, who believes Vieira is exactly the kind of player Arsenal fans will warm to.

Speaking to White and Jordan, Fonte said: “He’s a very exciting young player, very talented on the ball and smart.

“Arsenal fans should be very excited because he’s the kind of player they’ll love and I can’t wait to see him in the Premier League.”

Asked if he is ready to play a key role for the Gunners, Fonte said: “He plays for Porto and had a great season for Porto who were playing in European competitions.

“If he can play in the Champions League and can play at the highest level, you are ready for anything.

“The Premier League is probably the best league in the world, but the Champions League isn’t far behind, so I think he can take care of it.”

When asked if he would be ready to start for Mikel Arteta’s side, Fonte added: “I think so.”

European football expert Andy Brassell also spoke about the player, adding: “They have a player who if you looked at him four or five years ago you would wonder if that player would work in the Premier League.

“He’s not a big guy, great balance, very graceful and a real eye for one pass and 16 assists last season, although he hasn’t always started which is pretty incredible.

“The potential is still there. Eddie Howe and Richard Hughes and the Bournemouth recruitment team were very keen on him a few years ago and Porto refused to sell, and they were right because they are able to get a lot more money after having make some progress. .

“It’s still progress, he’s not someone who’s going to come in and own the Premier League straight away, but with the direction Arsenal are going and the way they want to develop players, he should really suit them. , really good. “