Arsenal are prepared to be patient to get the right offer ahead of the transfer window, with Fabio Vieira forced to wait to discover where his future lies
21:50, 02 Jun 2026
Fabio Vieira celebrates during a Hamburg game
View 2 Images
Fabio Vieira spent the season on loan at Hamburg from Arsenal(Image: Getty)
Fabio Vieira may have to wait until August to seal his Arsenal exit, as the Gunners and Hamburg remain far apart in their valuation of the midfielder.
The former Porto ace would prefer to have a transfer complete in time for pre-season, having been forced to wait until deadline day to join the German side on loan last term.
That deal saw Arsenal and Hamburg agree on an option of around £17million but it is understood that it will not be activated despite the Bundesliga side and player both being keen on extending his stay. While Hamburg will hope to negotiate a better deal, Arsenal know there is interest in Vieira from elsewhere that they can take advantage of.
football.london understand that director of football Claus Costa and head coach Merlin Polzin have held private talks with Vieira in a bid to convince him to remain with Hamburg. The German press describes these as ‘intensive talks'.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Hamburg will attempt to strike a deal with Arsenal for under £8.7m, and want to take advantage of Vieira's contract at the Emirates Stadium, which expires in 2027. The north London side would prefer nearer £13m.
HSV's record transfer stands at £12.18m (when they signed Filip Kostic from Stuttgart in 2016. Vieira's option to buy was always optimistic as a result.
Despite their work to persuade the player, Hamburg will need to hope that Viera is committed to returning at the expense of other offers. Otherwise, the German side could find themselves missing out on a target as Arsenal await the best deal.
Fabio Vieira has impressed on loan at Hamburg
View 2 Images
Fabio Vieira has impressed on loan at Hamburg
Last month, Vieira stopped short of committing his future to the Volksparkstadion. He said: "I have to be open to everything. Let's see what happens."
Asked if he could imagine staying, he added: "I can't say that yet. No matter what the future brings, I was very happy here and will be forever grateful to the HSV.
"The club did everything for me, the support was amazing. I feel the love of the fans and the club. They all love me."
Article continues below
Vieira recorded seven goals and five assists in 29 appearances as he helped Hamburg to a midtable finish in 2025/26, despite starting his loan spell with two red cards within his first five matches.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.