Fabio Vieira’s future at Arsenal may not be decided until August as HSV Hamburg play the long game to get the 26-year-old on their own terms.
BILD report that his return to Hamburg may have to be put on hold because of the disparity between Hamburg and Arsenal when it comes to asking price.
Arsenal exit guaranteed
The newspaper explains that while reports are stating Fabio Vieira can imagine returning to the German club this summer following his loan move this season, he has little interest in a last-minute deal.
That’s what happened last year and he would prefer to have the deal sorted for the start of pre-season training on July 6th/7th.
Hamburg have already held ‘intensive talks’ with Vieira about a return this summer. Sporting director Claus Costa and coach Merlin Polzin outlined their plans. They appear to have been successful in convincing the midfielder to move from Arsenal permanently.
But the move is complicated. The loan deal included a €22m purchase option, but Hamburg couldn’t afford it. They want a ‘high single-digit million Euro sum’ at most. Whether Arsenal would accept that, isn’t clear. A report in Germany today stated they want €10-15m.
Arsenal in no rush
So far, the Gunners have not sent any signals. Their focus was, naturally, on the Champions League final.
Even now, Vieira isn’t a hot topic. While they don’t want him back, the Premier League market hasn’t picked up speed yet. It likely won’t for a few weeks, particularly with the World Cup.
So, there is no rush for Arsenal to accept a deal for now. If Fabio Vieira and HSV want to reach an agreement, they will need ‘a great deal of patience’.
The midfielder’s agents would need to make a firm commitment to the Germa side and reject other offers. Only then would Hamburg have a chance in the final phase of the transfer window in August.
They need Arsenal to significantly reduce their demands. If they don’t, or Vieira’s current stance weakens, they will simply lack the financial power to pull off the deal.