Bruno Fernandes reveals Arsenal hope after €40m deal

The Portugal international gave a ringing endorsement of his compatriot and Arsenal’s new boy Fabio Vieira.

Bruno Fernandes has backed Arsenal’s signing of Fabio Vieira and hopes his Portuguese compatriot does well in the Premier League.

Vieira completed a €40 million switch to the Emirates from Porto last month on a five-year contract. It will be the 22-year-old’s first time playing outside his homeland. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of several renowned Portuguese players – including Manchester United’s Fernandes.

“I welcome all Portuguese players who go abroad. I hope he can shine to the fullest, except against me,” Fernandes told reporters in Portugal about Vieira’s move to north London.

“Fabio has a lot of quality and has been demonstrating that, whether in the FC Porto is in the Under-21s, he has had good numbers and good performances.

“I hope he succeeds like all the Portuguese out there. We have to start valuing what is ours and I hope that Fabio manages to be as good as possible, despite wanting to stay ahead.”

In 39 appearances across all competitions last season, Vieira managed seven goals and 16 assists for Porto. It was a breakout campaign for the midfielder, who had only made his first-team debut in 2020.