HSV director flies to London for Fabio Vieira talks as Arsenal hold firm on price

Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa has travelled to London for face-to-face talks over a potential deal for Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira.

The German club remain determined to bring the 26-year-old back after his successful loan spell last season, but there is still a significant obstacle: HSV and Arsenal remain apart on the transfer fee.

Costa used his trip to meet both Arsenal officials and Vieira as Hamburg attempt to make a breakthrough before the transfer deadline.

According to Hamburger Abendblatt, Costa travelled to England earlier this week and held discussions with Arsenal's hierarchy, including sporting director Andrea Berta.

HSV have already made an offer worth just under €10million for Vieira, but Arsenal are unwilling to accept that figure.

The Gunners have been looking for considerably more and are still hoping another club could enter the race with a higher proposal before the window closes.

Costa was informed of Arsenal's position during the meeting, meaning there is currently no agreement between the clubs.

Previous reports suggested Arsenal wanted at least another €10m on top of Hamburg's proposal, although the German club will hope the situation becomes more negotiable as Deadline Day approaches.

Perhaps the biggest encouragement for HSV is Vieira's own position.

Costa's trip was primarily designed to meet the Portuguese midfielder personally and reinforce how strongly Hamburg want him back at the Volkspark Stadion.

The meeting has been described as a gesture of appreciation, with HSV determined to demonstrate that they are prepared to make every reasonable effort to complete his signing.

Vieira is also said to be keen on returning to Hamburg after establishing himself as an important player during his loan spell last season.

That could become increasingly significant if Arsenal fail to receive the bigger offer they are currently waiting for.

Vieira has spent pre-season with Arsenal, but his long-term future remains unresolved.

Arsenal's strategy appears to be to wait. With several days remaining in the window, the Gunners hope another interested club will emerge and meet their valuation rather than accepting Hamburg's current proposal.

Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes HSV should stretch financially if the difference eventually becomes relatively small.

“If it comes down to a difference of one or two million, I would be inclined to go ahead and make the transfer,” Hamann said.

However, he believes the situation changes if Arsenal continue demanding around €15-18m.

“If Arsenal insists on €15m or €18m, then it becomes a game of poker.”

Hamburg are likely to remain patient as the deadline approaches, hoping Arsenal's valuation drops if no better offer arrives.

Vieira's desire to return gives HSV an important advantage, but Arsenal currently hold the cards. The decisive factor could be whether another club enters the race — or whether the Gunners eventually become willing to negotiate closer to Hamburg's budget.