Arsenal star Fabio Vieira believes he and ‘extraordinary’ £70m City man have ‘similar qualities’

Arsenal playmaker Fabio Vieira has likened himself to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

Vieira joined the Gunners from FC Porto last summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £34million.

He moved to north London after a stellar 2021-22 campaign in which he provided an impressive 14 assists in 27 Liga Portugal appearances.

It has been difficult for the 22-year-old to settle in at his new club, however.

Vieira joined whilst injured, hindering his pre-season, and Arsenal’s incredible form has seen the young midfielder spend the majority of the Premier League campaign warming the bench.

Speaking to O Jogo, Vieira admitted that it was difficult to adapt to life in England right away but insists he is “enjoying it” now.

“I got here injured,” he explained. “It’s always different for a new player to get here, to 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 developed a lot and I’m here to help the team.

“When you get injured, you’re always one step behind the others. I think it’s only a matter of time, to be there, to help the team, to show my qualities.”

Vieira is not known for his size or strength and admitted: “English football is more difficult for skinny players.”

As I touched on earlier, Arsenal are enjoying a terrific season and Vieira has his eyes set on winning two big competitions, adding: “We want to win the Premier League and Europa League.”

The former Porto youngster provided an assist in the Europa League last week as his side drew their last-16 first leg 2-2 against Sporting Lisbon.

He is expected to start the return leg at the Emirates on Thursday evening with a place in the quarter-finals of the competition on the line.

The competition has been a good chance for Mikel Arteta to hand Vieira minutes. He has started all seven of the Gunners’ European ties this term.

Vieira has only started twice in the Premier League and was given the chance to impress in both domestic cup competitions, though Arsenal were knocked out early on in the FA and Carabao Cup.

Arsenal fans have not seen a lot of Vieira – who is expected to produce big things in north London having cost over £30m.

The 22-year-old believes he is similar to Manchester City player Bernardo Silva, and if he reaches the same level as his compatriot, Gunners supporters will be very happy.

“Of course I admire him, he is an extraordinary player, I know him very well from Portugal, he has played before at Benfica,” Vieira added.

“I think we are similar players with similar qualities, too.”

Valued at £70m by Transfermarkt, Silva has been linked with a move to Barcelona over the last year.

The chances of the Catalan giants being able to afford the Portuguese international are very slim, however.