Arsenal’s midfielder Fabio Vieira has sealed a switch to Bundesliga side Hamburg on a season-long loan. The German club is holding an option to buy as well.
Hamburg seal big Fabio Vieira deal
Hamburger SV have pulled off one of the standout moves of deadline day by bringing in Fabio Vieira from Arsenal. The German club chased him hard and finally reached an agreement for a loan. The move also includes an option to make the deal permanent for more than £17m.
Vieira is already in Germany for his medical, with Hamburg confident he can add spark and creativity to their midfield. The player wasn’t in Mikel Arteta’s pre-season or early league plans, which opened the door for this move.
Hamburg, who also signed Albert Sambi Lokonga from Arsenal permanently, clearly see this as a double win in their rebuild. The Bundesliga side are banking on Vieira to rediscover his Porto form that once made him one of Europe’s hottest young playmakers.
Arsenal’s gamble and Stuttgart’s loss
Arsenal were preferring a permanent sale. Meanwhile, Stuttgart were ready to pounce, but the German side hesitated over Gunners’ asking price. That gave Hamburg the chance to swoop in and strike the loan deal. They beat Stuttgart and even PL interest from West Ham as well.
For Arsenal, this is more of a calculated risk. They’ve kept the option for Hamburg to buy next summer. They are hoping the Portuguese midfielder impresses enough in the Bundesliga to secure a transfer fee that matches their valuation.
The Gunners can’t afford to have another player’s market value slide on the bench. So, this is a chance for Vieira to rebuild confidence and prove his worth. On the other hand, Hamburg will be under no pressure to commit unless he delivers.
Author’s Opinion:
Vieira’s ability has never been questionable. But, he needs rhythm and minutes. Hamburg will provide him with the ideal chance to showcase what he can do. If he clicks, Arsenal might finally cash in next summer, and Hamburg could end up with a bargain.