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Stuart Jamieson

Gareth Southgate gets England vote of confidence while Arsenal land Porto midfielder

Here are the latest Premier League headlines for Tuesday, June 21.

Southgate vote of confidence

Gareth Southgate has been given a ringing endorsement from Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, who said the England manager's IQ and emotional intelligence would make him a chief executive in any sector. Southgate came in for criticism after a disappointing showing for the Three Lions in their four Nations League matches earlier this month, culminating in a 4-0 home defeat to Hungary.

The result even sparked a debate over whether Southgate should be sacked ahead of the World Cup in Qatar which starts in November. Hewitt hailed Southgate's role in transforming England's fortunes on the pitch and instilling a healthy culture off it, and said she had spoken to the England boss after the Hungary defeat to reassure him of how highly regarded he still is at the FA.

READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike prepared to cut holiday short to secure Newcastle move

"My personal opinion on Gareth is that he is, by the facts on the pitch, the most successful England manager we've had for 55 years," Hewitt, who took over as FA chair in January, said. "The bit people don't see as much is the Gareth at camp and the culture he's created.

"Certainly prior to Gareth being the manager of England, there was not the pride of wearing the England shirt. There were the club rivalries we'd read about. The players not getting on. He's changed that beyond recognition and I've seen that first hand.
"I'd also say that I don't just work in football, I work in business and I've worked with a lot of chief executives and Gareth's skills - his high IQ and high EQ - would make him a chief exec in any sphere.

"That resilience and accountability (are) the two qualities I admire most. There are no slopey shoulders, he doesn't huff, he's resilient and that's what you want in an England manager."

Arsenal sign Porto midfielder

Arsenal have completed the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira. The 22-year-old came through the Portuguese club's youth system and made 27 appearances during last season's Primeira Liga triumph.

Vieira joins Arsenal for a reported 40million euros (£34.36million) and signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "I am very excited that we have identified and signed such a special talent. Fabio is a very creative player that will bring high quality and versatility to our attacking play. We welcome Fabio and his family to our club and are looking forward to starting work with him ahead of the new season."

Saints land Germany U21 defender

Southampton have signed Germany Under-21 defender Armel Bella-Kotchap from VfL Bochum, the Premier League club have announced. The 20-year-old has signed a four-year deal at St Mary's after making 74 appearances for the German side.

French-born Bella-Kotchap helped Bochum win promotion back to the top flight in 2021 before making 26 appearances as they maintained their Bundesliga status last season. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told the club's website: "I am very pleased that we have been able to secure Armel's signing.

"He is a player who fits our profile very well and has a huge amount of potential, but with the number of senior games he has already played he can help us immediately. I think he has made the perfect choice in wanting to join us and we will now work with him to make sure he reaches his potential both for himself and for the team."

Bella-Kotchap played in the junior ranks at Rot Weiss Ahlen before moving to Bochum at the age of 15. He now feels Southampton is the best place to continue his development.

He said: "I think, every young player dreams to play in the Premier League and I'm here and I'm happy and thankful for that. The coach has a big impact on me. We speak the same language and his interest was very big in me. The club convinced me and said they want to make a project with me and I'm ready to go and I will fight for my place."

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