Hamburg are planning talks to try and make Fabio Vieira’s loan move from Arsenal permanent, after standing out as a ‘key player’ this season.
The 25-year-old has been on loan with the Bundesliga club this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
It is the winger’s second loan move away from the Gunners after returning to previous club Porto in the 2024/25 campaign, where he turned out 42 times.
Vieira was something of a surprise signing for Arsenal in June 2022, costing the Gunners just short of £30 and never really made a great impression.
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The Portuguese did make 33 appearances in his first season in north London, scoring twice, but that significantly dropped to just 16 appearances in 2023/24, scoring once.
A future with Arsenal appears very unlikely, but a permanent deal with Hamburg is a distinct possibility.
Speaking not only of Vieira, but all six loan stars Hamburg had this season, sporting director Claus Costa said: ‘We would like to expressly thank all six players for their performances and commitment while wearing the HSV shirt.
‘Fabio and Luka certainly stood out as key players over the course of the season, but all of our loan players played their part in helping us achieve our objective for our first season back in the Bundesliga ahead of the final day.
‘Both on and off the pitch, they integrated superbly into the team and the club and really took on what it means to be part of HSV. We will hold discussions with the various parties over the coming days regarding a possible future at HSV.’
The talks that are to come will see Hamburg attempting to negotiate a fee with Arsenal as they have opted not to take up the option to buy Vieira that was in his loan deal.
The German club are looking to drive down the agreed price, which they may well be able to do as Vieira has just one year left on his contract at Arsenal and the Gunners are keen to get rid of him.
A statement on his return to Arsenal from Hamburg hinted that Vieira could well be back in the near future.
‘The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder joined HSV from Arsenal on deadline day last summer and went on to make 31 appearances in all competitions,’ stated the Bundesliga outfit.
‘With seven goals and six assists, he finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer and leading creator combined. As things stand, the technically gifted playmaker will return to London.’