Arsenal’s Fábio Vieira has been on loan at Hamburg SV since summer deadline day.
Vieira has operated in the middle of the pitch and on the right wing this season. He’s played 1,273 minutes from 17 matches, scoring two goals and contributing five assists.
Three months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany about Hamburg wanting the Arsenal player to step up.
Fast forward to February and Bild now have the latest on his future beyond this season, with his Emirates contract expiring in 2027.
The Portuguese midfielder has been finding form at Hamburg and has become ‘more communicative’ within the dressing room in recent weeks. He scored in the Bundesliga side’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich and assisted in the win over Heidenheim in the last two matches.
Hamburg have agreed a €20m purchase option with Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners man need to impress in the coming months for them to activate the clause.
Bild explain: ‘There is still clear room for improvement in his defensive work, particularly in the Bundesliga.’
The German club are waiting to see how Vieira develops in the coming months. According to the newspaper, Hamburg are expected to hold talks with Arsenal in April or May over his future beyond this season.
Arsenal exit seen as certain
Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa and their board member, Eric Huwer, will lead the talks with the north London club.
Bild ask whether the duo will try to significantly reduce the price or whether Vieira find better sporting options elsewhere. The other possibility is Hamburg sending him back to London and for Arteta’s side to resolve his future.
The only thing that’s certain as of now is that the former FC Porto man won’t be playing at Arsenal next season.
Bild end their report by stating: ‘The coming months will be exciting. In any case, Vieira will face a sporting challenge to put himself in the best negotiating position.’