Andrea Berta - Arsenal
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Arsenal are set for a frantic end to the transfer window, with several departures expected before Monday’s deadline. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the Gunners are working to finalise exits for Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, and Oleksandr Zinchenko as Mikel Arteta trims his squad for the 2025/26 season.
Lokonga is on the brink of a permanent switch to Bundesliga newcomers Hamburger SV after completing his medical on Sunday. The 25-year-old midfielder, who struggled to establish himself following his £17.2 million move from Anderlecht in 2021, is expected to leave for a modest fee, with Arsenal inserting a significant sell-on clause.
Fabio Vieira could follow him to Germany, though on loan rather than permanently. The 24-year-old, who failed to rediscover form during a loan spell at Porto, has also attracted interest from Stuttgart. Arsenal remain open to a temporary deal, though discussions have included a possible permanent fee of around £17 million, below their £25 million valuation.
READ MORE: Huge transfer update on Albert Sambi Lokonga ahead of deadline
Defender Jakub Kiwior is close to joining Porto, where he is finalising a loan with an obligation to buy worth around €27 million (£23.4m). The Polish international’s exit paves the way for new signing Piero Hincapie, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month.
A series of outgoings expected at Arsenal tomorrow.
Understand Sambi Lokonga is close to joining Hamburg on a permanent transfer.
And Fabio Vieira could now join Hamburg on a season-long loan. Stuttgart also keen.
Jakub Kiwior is already in Porto ahead of finalising his move.… pic.twitter.com/0o5tz4W08Q
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 31, 2025
Reiss Nelson’s future is less certain, with talks ongoing over a return to Fulham. The winger spent last season at Craven Cottage, but negotiations have been complicated by Fulham’s pursuit of alternative wide options. Crystal Palace are also monitoring the situation. Nelson remains under contract with Arsenal until 2027.
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Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be on the move, with Marseille leading the chase for the Ukrainian defender. Arsenal value the 28-year-old at £15 million, though his wages may prove a stumbling block. Fenerbahce are also believed to be interested, as Zinchenko has fallen down Arteta’s pecking order in recent months.
The focus on outgoings follows an active summer of arrivals, with Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, and Hincapie already strengthening Arteta’s squad. Sporting director Andrea Berta is now tasked with ensuring balance and easing financial pressures, with sales and structured loans seen as vital to keeping Arsenal compliant with spending rules.
Despite the likelihood of late movement, Arsenal’s permanent sales have been limited so far this summer, with Marquinhos and Nuno Tavares departing for a combined £10 million. The club will be hoping deadline day brings more decisive progress.
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