Hamburg sporting director Kathleen Kruger has confirmed that the club are exploring a permanent transfer for Arsenal playmaker Fabio Vieira this summer.
The Bundesliga outfit signed Vieira on a season-long loan from the Gunners last summer. As part of the deal, they agreed a £19 million buy clause for the Portuguese.
Vieira played an instrumental role in Hamburg staying clear of relegation, and the club are now exploring a discounted package to secure his signature from Arsenal.
Kruger, speaking in a recent press conference, admitted that she is a huge admirer of Vieira, but acknowledged that Hamburg can’t afford to meet the clause.
She added that the club are trying to find a ‘creative solution’ with the Gunners.
Kruger said: “Fabio is an outstanding player. Technically incredibly skilful. He brings unpredictability to the game, scores reliably and is a game-changer.
“I would love it if he could wear the HSV shirt again next season. At the same time, we have to be realistic. Players of this calibre are in a price bracket that HSV simply cannot afford.
“Claus (director of football) takes the lead in trying to find a creative solution with Arsenal. We don’t know if we will succeed in this.”
Hamburg have a limited budget for the summer despite their top-flight survival and remain optimistic about signing him for £8.6m or less later on in the transfer window.
Arsenal should secure the highest possible fee for Vieira
Vieira had a difficult start to his Hamburg career, picking up a couple of red cards. However, his form improved notably during the festive period and became a key player after the turn of the year.
The Portuguese finished the season with 12 goal contributions in the Bundesliga. He played primarily as a central midfielder but also operated in the number 10 and right-wing roles for Hamburg.
Die Rothosen seem eager to re-sign Vieira on a long-term deal, but the price could be a sticking point.
Despite him entering the last year of his contract, we believe Arsenal must seek the highest package for his services. They should be able to secure more than £86m after his fine season on loan.
Nottingham Forest were credited with surprise interest last month, and they could be contenders to sign him, based on the final verdict from Oliver Glasner, who has just joined as their manager.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com