Arsenal star talks of 'daily struggle' in north London

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal's transfer system under Mikel Arteta has more than often paid dividends.

Declan Rice, Ben White and Kai Havertz are just three standout examples of when the Gunners got it right in the market and yielded on-field success marred with Arteta's tactical nuances.

But sometimes, those moves don't work due to factors out of the manager's hands. One 24-year-old knows that feeling well and has instead taken time away from the Emirates in order to try and reinvigorate his career.

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira enjoying his spell at Porto and hopes to return to north London a more well-rounded star

Fabio Vieira is currently out on loan with FC Porto

Fabio Vieira is currently out on loan with FC Porto (Image credit: Getty Images)

Fabio Vieira hasn't had it easy at Arsenal and has since taken time away from the Emirates in order to try and restart his career.

Having joined Porto on loan this summer, the 24-year-old is back out on the pitch and admits he is enjoying himself once again.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Luton Town and Arsenal at Kenilworth Road in Luton, north of London on December 5, 2023.

Mikel Arteta (Image credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

He said, as relayed by O Jogo: “I’m feeling better and better. I went through a very difficult period for me, as everyone knows. From surgeries to muscle injuries.

“It’s been a daily struggle for me and now I’m back, I’m happy with the steps I’m taking and I’m increasingly confident that in the end I’ll be able to help this club, which is what I want.”

Vieira joined from Porto back in 2022 but found opportunities hard to come by under Arteta, especially given the form seen by captain Martin Odeegard in particular.

But with age on his side, there could still be a second chance for a man who has shown, in glimpses, he may be up to the task.

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“Regarding Fabio [we are] really happy with him but at the same time sad because it's been a tough period for him,” Arteta said on Vieira.

“Especially with the last injury when he had some momentum and performances he got injured, that broke up his rhythm, just like last season

In FourFourTwo's view, Vieira could still have a career at the Emirates, but game time may be hard to come by.FourFourTwo's view

Emile Smith-Rowe struggled to do so and had to go elsewhere, so Vieira will have to work hard, upon his return, to warrant any game time, if any.

Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.