Arsenal player who featured for just 561 minutes last season backed to step up in 2024/25

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Arsenal have been stepping up their pre-season preparations ahead of jetting off to the United States later this week.

The Gunners get their pre-season friendly programme under way on 24 July when they face Bournemouth in Los Angeles.

Arsenal have a big season ahead of them. After two consecutive years in the Premier League title race, the Gunners will be eager to go all the way next term.

Arsenal will also be eager to go further in the Champions League after bowing out at the quarter-final stage last season, and also challenge in the domestic cups.

While the Gunners first-team squad prepares for the 2024/25 campaign, the club’s hierarchy and scouts are trying their best to conduct business in the transfer market.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of players and are said to be in discussions over Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori. Conversely, the Gunners have also been moving players on.

Emile Smith Rowe has been backed to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, which would leave a gap in terms of midfield strength in depth.

Arsenal-leaning journalist Kaya Kaynak has now written on football.london about Smith Rowe’s future, as well as who could step up in his place.

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The journalist hosted a Q&A and was asked about the likelihood of Smith Rowe leaving and how it would affect the squad’s dynamics and creativity in midfield.

“I think it’s quite likely that we see Smith Rowe leave as things stand,” replied Kaynak.

“Arsenal won’t force him out, but the player’s priority is first team football and if the right offer comes in they won’t stand in his way.

“As for the impact on the squad, I think maybe we’ll see Fabio Vieira step up a bit.

“He’s a player who Arteta went big on to sign and it’s about time he starts delivering in the first team.”

Vieira yet to reach his potential at Arsenal

Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto back in 2022 for a fairly sizeable outlay, Sky Sports News reporting that he cost the Gunners £34million.

He arrived at the Emirates Stadium to considerable fanfare due to his transfer fee, exciting potential and the fact he shares a surname with one of the greatest Arsenal players of all time.

However, Vieira hasn’t managed to force his way in the Gunners starting XI yet. Last season, he clocked up just 561 minutes of competitive football for the north Londoners.

Hopefully the 24-year-old enjoys a strong pre-season and goes on to finally reach his potential in red and white over the next 12 months.