Arsenal‘s Fábio Vieira has been out on loan since August 2024. The Premier League side let him join Hamburg SV last September after a season on loan at FC Porto.
The Bundesliga side have secured a €22m purchase option and two months ago, Sport Witness relayed news they are seeking a discount from Arsenal.
Later that month, the attacking midfielder said he’ll make a decision on his future after this season.
At that time, he said: “Everyone knows I still have a contract with Arsenal. So, let’s wait until the end of the season. Then we’ll talk about it and see what we can do.”
On April 3rd, Hamburg board member Eric Huwer said there’ll be talks with Arsenal over buying the 25-year-old. The official also insisted the Portuguese isn’t part of the Gunners’ long-term plans.
Arsenal man’s future uncertain
Hamburg finished the 2025/26 season in the 13th place [18 teams in Bundesliga], eight points ahead of the relegation zone.
Bild report the German club have tried discussing different scenarios in which the Arsenal owned player can continue with them. However, he isn’t certain of where he will play next season.
“I’ve been very happy here this season. I can feel that the fans really love me. Whether I stay or go, I will always be grateful to the club. They’ve done everything for me,” he said.
It’s clear they won’t pay the €22m purchase clause but will still fight to retain him. That won’t be easy as there are other clubs looking at the former FC Porto man. If Hamburg were to sign him, Bild state it’ll be for a fee around €7-8m.
Another newspaper, Bergedorfer Zeitung, cover more comments from the Gunners owner player.
“In a few weeks, I’ll sit down with my family, my agents, and Arsenal and see what the best option is for me. But for now, I’m just looking forward to my vacation, to simply switch off and not think about football,” Vieira explained.
“I have to be open to everything. Let’s see what happens. I feel the love of the fans and the club. They all love me.”
When specifically asked whether he can imagine staying at Hamburg, he added: “I can’t say yet. No matter what the future holds, I’ve been very happy here and will be forever grateful to HSV. The club has done everything for me; the support has been amazing.”
Our take: Arsenal have to sell
Fábio Vieira’s contract at the Emirates expires in 2027. Therefore, Mikel Arteta’s side have to sell him in the upcoming window, to avoid losing him for free next year.
Hamburg SV or another club can take advantage of this to sign him for a reasonable price.