‘Huge talent’: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have a brilliant 22-year-old youngster in their ranks

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Mikel Arteta has told ITV Sport that Arsenal have a brilliant player in Fabio Vieira in their ranks and labelled the youngster a ‘huge talent’. 

The Gunners booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup last night as they beat Oxford United 3-0.

Arteta’s side were forced to work hard for the result as the League Two outfit defended resiliently for the opening hour.

But once Mohamed Elneny headed home Vieira’s brilliant free-kick, the floodgates opened for Arsenal. Eddie Nketiah continued his brilliant goal scoring form as he bagged a brace, while Vieira provided two assists on the night. 

Arteta spoke about the Portuguese midfielder before the game and feels he has a massive future ahead of him in north London.

Arteta on Vieira

Arsenal legend Ian Wright caught up with the Spaniard before kick-off and he was full of praise for the 22-year-old.

“Huge talent. It took him [Vieira] a while to get set, he came from Portugal with a big injury in his foot and missed the whole pre-season,” Arteta told ITV Sport. 

Vieira has put in some mixed displays since making the switch from FC Porto over the summer.

The midfielder got his Premier League career off to a dream start as he bagged a brilliant goal at Brentford back in September. He’s struggled to put in consistent performances so far, but it’s clear that he’s a talented player. 

Martin Odegaard has been exceptional for the Gunners this season so it’s difficult to see Vieira forcing his way into the side anytime soon.

But the Portugal U21 international certainly impressed last night, with a pinpoint delivery to set-up Elneny before producing a perfectly-weighted ball for Nketiah to round the Oxford shot stopper.

He will have to continue to put in eye-catching displays if he is to force his way into Arteta’s side, but it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him in north London.