Arsenal have £34m ‘Bernardo Silva option’ to play alongside Declan Rice

It’s an exciting time if you’re an Arsenal fan with Declan Rice on the brink of an eye-watering £105million move from West Ham. The England midfielder will join Kai Havertz through the Emirates entrance door as Mikel Arteta and co look to go one step further in the Premier League.

Arteta has a hugely exciting array of talent at his disposal in the middle of the park now, with Rice set to team up with Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey and co. It’s the kind of strength in depth the Gunners need if they want to push Manchester City all the way next season.

One player who is going under the radar ahead of next term amid the imminent arrival of Rice is Fabio Vieira, who was signed in a £34m deal from Porto last summer with big expectations. However, he struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, and was deployed as a bit-part player from the bench under Arteta.

His game-time next season is appearing likely to be limited too due to the competition of places, but Vieira knows he faces a make-or-break season and must capitalise on his opportunity when called upon or he could be left out in the dark.

But the Portuguese youngster certainly has the abilities to deliver the goods for the Gunners and he will definitely have belief in himself to turn his fortunes around. When things are going tough next term, he’s the type of player Arsenal fans will be banking onto unlock defences thanks to his brilliant technique and silky style.

One player he has even compared himself to is Man City star Bernardo Silva. The Arsenal midfielder heaped praise on his compatriot and Premier League rival, telling O Jogo: “He’s an extraordinary player, I know him very well. I think we are similar players, with similar qualities. Of course I admire him.”

He then shared his belief that he will come good for Arsenal: “I got here injured,” Vieira added. “It’s always different for a new player, arriving here, in a new country, a different culture, everything is different.

“It was difficult, but after a few months I’m ready, I’m enjoying it, I’ve already developed a lot and I’m here to help the team. When you arrive injured, you are always one step behind the others. I think it’s a matter of time, to be there, help the team, show my qualities.”

Arteta will be desperate for Vieira to live up to his vow next season as Arsenal will be in need of searching for new ways to unlock the opposition when things aren’t going their way – just like Man City do week in week out.

With Rice and Havertz essentially through the door, Arteta isn’t resting on his laurels. Arsenal will be hoping to announce the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber very soon too, in what would be a statement of intent to the Premier League.

Arteta is dreaming big, and he will hope his squad players, like Vieira, play a crucial role in Arsenal’s quest for Premier League glory.