Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed Bruno Fernandes and says the Manchester United midfielder has been the ‘best player’ in the Premier League since he arrived in England.
Fernandes joined United last January from Sporting Lisbon and hit the ground running immediately at the club, scoring 12 goals in the second-half of the campaign.
The Portugal international has continued to impress during the current season, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists to quickly establish himself as one of the best players in Europe.
Arteta says Fernandes has made a ‘tremendous’ impact at Old Trafford but has warned Arsenal supporters not to expect the same level of performances from Martin Odegaard.
Norwegian midfielder Odegaard joined the London club earlier in the week on loan from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
‘You look at the stats and what he [Fernandes] provides to the team it is unquestionable that he has improved them dramatically and for many periods he has been the best player in the league probably,’ Arteta said.
‘The impact he’s had has been tremendous. They paid a big price to do that – Martin’s situation is completely different.
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‘We are getting a player who hasn’t played in the last few months almost any football but that we believe he has all the qualities and talent to be a success for our team.’
Arteta’s Arsenal welcome United to the Emirates on Saturday, but they may still be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the Premier League game, with the Gabon star’s mother suffering with health problems.
‘I don’t know, I spoke with him yesterday things are looking better at the moment but we have to wait and see,’ said Arteta.
‘He’s our captain and one of the most important players we are doing everything we can to have him back as quickly as possible but understanding that he’s been through a difficult few days that he had to support his family.
‘We were here to support him with the time he needed to get that sorted.’
