Midfielder admits “Difficult time” but convinced quickly by HSV Hamburg

Fábio Vieira Arsenal news has taken another twist after the Portuguese midfielder revealed he jumped at the chance to join HSV Hamburg on deadline day. The 25-year-old has slipped further down the pecking order at the Emirates following Arsenal’s heavy summer investment, with Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze both arriving to add further competition.

Having already spent last season on loan at Porto, Vieira was once again deemed surplus to requirements. Arsenal sanctioned a loan to Hamburg — with an option to buy — in a double deal that also saw Albert Sambi Lokonga move to the Bundesliga side.

For Vieira, the exit was both sudden and straightforward:

“It was a difficult time, of course, but we’re all professionals, we’re used to it. It happened very quickly. I was convinced after the first conversation with the coach and the sporting director. I immediately had the feeling they wanted me here,” he told MOPO.

Vieira’s move to Germany highlights the uncertainty around his Arsenal future. Signed from Porto in 2022 for €35m, he has struggled to establish himself under Mikel Arteta. While his technical ability has never been in doubt, questions remain over his physicality and ability to adapt to Premier League intensity.

The decision to loan him out again suggests Arsenal may be ready to cut their losses, with Hamburg’s option to buy offering a potential permanent solution.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Vieira’s Arsenal career is all but over:

“Vieira was a gamble that hasn’t paid off. Technically superb, but his body and style have never looked fully suited to the Premier League. Arsenal’s midfield depth now makes his pathway almost impossible.”

He adds:

“For Hamburg, this is a smart low-risk deal. If Vieira settles and finds his rhythm in the Bundesliga, they have the option to keep him permanently. If not, Arsenal face another tough decision next summer.”

Vieira now has the chance to relaunch his career in Germany, where Hamburg’s project underlined their desire for him from the very first conversation. If he impresses, the option to buy could bring closure to his difficult Arsenal chapter.

For Arsenal, the focus remains on integrating Zubimendi and Eze while keeping depth across all competitions. Vieira’s exit lightens the midfield logjam but raises further questions about the club’s recruitment strategy in recent seasons.

👉 Do you think Fábio Vieira has a long-term future at Arsenal — or will Hamburg become his permanent home?