Hamburg have submitted figures for Fabio Vieira but admit Arsenal have shown no sign of accepting their proposal for the midfielder.
Arsenal have received a formal offer from Hamburg for Fabio Vieira, with the German club keen to keep hold of the midfielder after his impressive loan spell last season.
Hamburg’s interest has now become concrete, even though they chose not to trigger the purchase option that was part of last summer’s loan agreement.
Speaking to German outlet Kicker during a fan event at Hamburg’s training camp in Austria, board member Eric Huwer confirmed that figures had been submitted to Arsenal.
"We've fallen a little in love with Fabio. We're fighting for him every day," Huwer said.
“We’ve given Arsenal the numbers. They’re just not budging yet."
The original loan deal reportedly included a €22 million option to make Vieira’s move permanent, but Hamburg let that clause expire and are now trying to strike a deal that fits their budget.
Huwer has ruled out the idea of Hamburg taking on debt to match Arsenal’s valuation, but remains confident the club can put together a package that appeals to Vieira.
“We believe we can make Vieira a very competitive offer within our means, without taking on debt,” he added.
“Whether he and Arsenal accept that, we are very interested to see.
"We're confident we can make Fabio a competitive offer within our means, without taking on debt."
Vieira arrived at Hamburg on deadline day last September and featured 31 times in all competitions.
It was a tough start for the Portuguese midfielder, who picked up two early red cards, but he soon established himself as a key figure under Merlin Polzin. By the end of the season, Vieira had contributed seven goals and five assists, helping Hamburg secure their Bundesliga status.
His performances only increased Hamburg’s determination to keep him, but the financial gap between the two clubs has continued to be the main stumbling block.
New sporting executive Kathleen Krüger admitted earlier in July that Vieira was not currently within Hamburg’s usual price range, despite describing him as an outstanding player and expressing hope that a creative agreement could be reached with Arsenal.
Vieira is now back on Arsenal’s books after spending a second straight season away from North London. Spending the 2024/25 season at Porto before making the switch to Hamburg last summer.
The 26-year-old joined Arsenal from Porto in 2022 and has since made 49 appearances, scoring three goals and providing 10 assists. His contract at the Emirates runs until the summer of 2027.
Hamburg’s latest offer finally puts a concrete number on negotiations that, until now, had mostly revolved around whether Arsenal would be willing to lower their demands.
Huwer’s comments underline the limits of Hamburg’s proposal. The club remain eager to bring Vieira back, but they are not prepared to go beyond the financial boundaries they have set for themselves.