How Fabio Vieira exit will affect Arsenal futures of Ethan Nwaneri and Reiss Nelson

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira is now set to return to FC Porto on loan in search of more playing time, and this move will have implications on the rest of the squad.

Arsenal already parted ways with Emile Smith Rowe this summer, in a move which could have led to more playing time for Vieira.

However, the expected arrival of Mikel Merino this summer means that there is still no more room in midfield, and Vieira played on the right wing in pre-season.

The 24-year-old failed to impose himself and win a place in the team, and Vieira will now join Porto in order to try and find his best form, but whilst this means that Arsenal will have less depth available, it will provide more opportunities to other players.

Arsenal decision over Fabio Vieira will mean more opportunities for Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri is a rising star at Arsenal, and the 17-year-old looks set to be handed a first-team role this season.

The departures of Vieira and Smith Rowe will create more opportunities for Nwaneri to shine. The teenager was impressive in pre-season, and did more than Vieira to earn himself a spot in the team.

Mikel Arteta has been criticised for not giving more opportunities to talents from the Hale End Academy, and the decision to essentially replace Vieira in the squad with Nwaneri is a big show of faith.

Vieira featured in just 292 minutes of Premier League action last season, and Nwaneri has the chance to take these minutes and more if he continues to impress.

Fabio Vieira exit could mean Reiss Nelson stays at Arsenal

Winger Reiss Nelson has been linked with an exit after starting just one Premier League game last season, but whilst Eddie Nketiah is close to a move to Nottingham Forest, no significant offer has arrived for Nelson.

Arsenal could be in the market for a backup winger to Bukayo Saka, but given that Vieira played in that position, there is less depth available there.

Nelson was the third-choice right-winger behind Gabriel Jesus and Saka, and he could now stay to pad the squad if no new winger arrives, as a result of Vieira’s exit reducing the bench options on that side.

This could see Nelson given more opportunities, but he is still unlikely to feature regularly if he does stay at the club.