Jose Fonte has told Arsenal fans to get “very excited” following the signing of Fabio Vieira.
The 22-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s side in a £34m deal earlier this week, becoming their first major signing of the summer.
Deals for both Marquinhos, a teenager winger who joins from Sao Paulo, and back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner had already been wrapped up, but it is the Portugal U21 international who is expected to feature far more prominently in the first-team next season.
While still a developing talent himself, Vieira is coming off the back of a strong season with Porto having scored 7 goals and registered 16 assists in 39 appearances for the Portuguese champions.
Arteta is also plotting moves for Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha and Lisandro Martinez in what could be a busy summer at the Emirates Stadium.
Where those names will be well-known to Arsenal supporters, Vieira is something of an unknown quantity. Last season was certainly promising, although that was breakthrough campaign for the midfielder.
Speaking to talkSPORT, however, former West Ham and Southampton defender Fonte gave his verdict on the deal.
“He’s a very exciting young player who is very talented on the ball and intelligent,” said Fonte.
“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.”
