Mikel Arteta identifies Arsenal's advantage over Porto amid "insider" claim

20 February 2024 , 22:16

1199     0

Mikel Arteta has shed light on what Fabio Vieira can offer Arsenal against Porto (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira could provide the Gunners with an advantage ahead of their Champions League clash against Porto.

The north Londoners are gearing up for their first knockout tie in the competition since 2010 and Vieira appears to have shaken off an injury to travel with the rest of his Arsenal team-mates. He'll be entering familiar territory, given the 23-year-old spent the entirety of his career prior to his 2022 on the books of the Portuguese giants.

Vieira made the move to the Emirates for a fee of £34million after his Porto performances caught the eye of the Arsenal hierarchy. Undeniably, the Portugal Under-21 international has failed to live up to the hype that greeted his arrival and currently finds himself below the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz in the midfield pecking order.

Despite this, Arteta has made clear that Vieira's presence for this particular away trip is a boost for the Gunners. Speaking ahead of the first-leg showdown at the Estadio Dragao, the Arsenal boss explained: "He was really pushing because he wanted to be here, that’s for sure.

"And having an insider, someone that has experience and lived the culture and the club, gives you a lot of information.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

"It’s very important because in Europe, it’s very important to understand the context of the game; where you’re going, what type of opponent they are, what type of club they are, what type of atmosphere you’re going to be facing. And he gives us a few important information that are relevant for us."

Vieira has just two Premier League goals to date in his Arsenal career, as well as four assists. That marks a steep decline from the 14 league assists he managed during his final season with Porto.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Vieira turn the tide on his Arsenal career? Comment below

Fabio Vieira has travelled with the Arsenal squad for their Champions League clash with Porto

If the 23-year-old were to feature against his former side, it would mark Vieira's first Arsenal appearance since he underwent groin surgery. His last outing came all the way back in mid-November.

Arteta bemoaned the bad luck Vieira has suffered since his arrival at the mirates. He added: "When he had some momentum and performances together, he got injured and that’s broken up again his rhythm like it happened last season. But he’s a player with an enormous talent and we’re going to get the best out of him."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Josh O'Brien