Fabio Vieira is reportedly hoping to complete a permanent move to Hamburger SV after a successful loan spell in Germany last season.
According to Sky Sport Germany, the Arsenal midfielder would prefer to remain with the Bundesliga club rather than return to north London ahead of the new campaign.
The report claims Vieira has been won over by life in Hamburg, where he is said to have built a strong relationship with head coach Merlin Polzin and quickly settled into both the club and the city.
Hamburg are understood to share the Portugal international’s desire to continue the partnership.
The two clubs are reportedly in direct contact and have already discussed the financial framework of a potential transfer.
While negotiations remain ongoing, no agreement has yet been reached.
Vieira is still under contract with Arsenal until 2027, meaning the Gunners are under no immediate pressure to sanction a sale.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Hamburg after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
His move to Germany proved to be a successful one.
Vieira made 31 appearances in all competitions, registering 13 goal contributions as Hamburg secured Bundesliga survival following their return to the top flight.
His creativity, technical quality and ability to operate between the lines made him one of the club’s standout performers during the campaign.
The latest update suggests the midfielder now hopes that form will earn him a permanent stay in Germany rather than another opportunity at Arsenal.
Vieira joined the Gunners from Porto in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth around £34 million after emerging as one of Portuguese football’s brightest creative talents.
Although he showed flashes of his ability in north London, injuries and fierce competition for places prevented him from becoming a consistent first-team starter.
Arsenal’s midfield has continued to evolve since then, making Vieira’s long-term future increasingly uncertain.
With Martin Odegaard remaining Arteta’s first-choice attacking midfielder and further competition elsewhere in the squad, regular opportunities could again prove difficult to secure if he stays.
From Arsenal’s perspective, a permanent transfer would also allow the club to recover part of the investment made three years ago while reducing the wage bill ahead of future recruitment.
For now, however, the final decision rests on whether Hamburg can reach an agreement with Arsenal over a transfer fee.
If the Bundesliga side can meet the Gunners’ valuation, Vieira’s preference appears clear, with the Portuguese playmaker keen to continue the next chapter of his career in Germany rather than return to the Emirates Stadium.