MIKEL Arteta praised Fabio Vieira’s “character and qualities”, before admitting he still has no idea quite where to play Arsenal’s versatile summer signing.

The Gunners reportedly forked out in the region of £30million plus £5m in add-ons to prise the midfielder away from Porto. And the 22-year-old started repaying that investment on Sunday when he marked his first Premier League start for the club by banging in the goal of the game in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brentford.

Called into the starting line-up for injured skipper Martin Odegaard, Vieira dominated the middle of the park and capped an eye-catching display when he rifled a long-range effort in off the post.

But the Portuguese international can also play on either wing, handing Arteta a puzzle he is no doubt relishing piecing together.

Quizzed on Vieira’s best starting position, the Arsenal boss said: “That’s something that still needs to be decided. In those two attacking midfield positions for sure.

“He’s played off the side as well, so it’s more about the relations he has in the unit and on his side [of the pitch], and where he is more comfortable. But the position he played against Brentford fits him really well.”

With the international break now in full swing Arsenal don’t play again until next Saturday when north London rivals Tottenham visit the Emirates Stadium.

Explaining just how close Vieira is to a regular starting place, Arteta added: “Obviously he missed the whole of pre-season due to injury – that was really unlucky. But we know his talent, the reasons why we signed him and what he can bring to the team.

“To do it against Brentford, at their ground, on his debut, is a different story. He showed again his character and his qualities.

“He’s a creative player. He needs to play with his gut feeling and his instinct. That’s what he needs to do and we need to create as many scenarios for him as possible to put his talent to the service of the team.

“What I like as well is the way he competes, and the way he went about the ugly part of the game really impressed me.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are growing more confident that William Saliba will sign a new deal after the French defender admitted he’s feeling settled in the capital. He said: “I like London, I like the club, I like everything. I feel at home here.”