Arsenal are reportedly in discussions with Hamburg over the future of Fabio Vieira after the Portuguese midfielder impressed during his loan spell in Germany.
Vieira spent the 2025-26 campaign with Hamburg and played a key role in helping the Bundesliga side secure survival following their return to the German top flight.
The 25-year-old registered seven goals and five assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances and quickly established himself as one of the most important players in Hamburg’s squad.
Reports in Germany claim Hamburg are now pushing hard behind the scenes to keep Vieira beyond the end of his loan agreement.
Hamburg head coach Merlin Polzin is believed to view Vieira as a central figure in his long-term plans and has reportedly informed the Arsenal midfielder that the club want to build the team around him next season.
The player himself is also understood to be open to remaining in Germany after settling well both on and off the pitch during his year away from north London.
Vieira previously spoke positively about life in Hamburg earlier this season and admitted the city’s strong Portuguese community helped him adapt quickly.
“I really like the city,” Vieira explained earlier in the campaign. “It is very beautiful and there is also a large Portuguese community here.”
Hamburg are believed to hold a €20m purchase option as part of the original loan agreement agreed with Arsenal last summer.
However, reports suggest the newly-promoted Bundesliga side are unlikely to trigger the clause at its current valuation.
Instead, Hamburg are expected to try negotiating a lower fee with Arsenal over the coming weeks.
Another loan deal has also reportedly been discussed as a possible compromise if the two clubs fail to agree on a permanent transfer immediately.
Vieira’s future remains uncertain despite his strong form in Germany.
The midfielder joined Arsenal from Porto in 2022 but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
Injuries and competition for places limited his opportunities in North London before Arsenal sanctioned his temporary move to Hamburg last summer.
With Arsenal preparing for another major summer rebuild following their Premier League title triumph, several decisions are expected regarding fringe players and returning loanees.
Vieira’s situation now appears set to become one of the club’s key transfer discussions over the coming weeks.