Hamburg sporting director Kathleen Krüger has confirmed the club are eager to sign Fabio Vieira on a permanent deal from Arsenal but admits the Bundesliga side cannot afford the Gunners' current asking price.
Vieira impressed during a season-long loan spell at Hamburg, becoming one of the club's standout performers. Although the German club held an option to buy the Portuguese midfielder this summer, they allowed it to expire because of financial constraints.
Hamburg still want Vieira
Despite missing the opportunity to activate the purchase clause, Hamburg have not given up hope of bringing Vieira back.
Speaking at a press conference, Krüger made it clear that re-signing the Arsenal midfielder remains one of the club’s priorities.
“Fabio is an outstanding player. Technically incredibly skilful. He brings unpredictability to the game, scores reliably and is a gamechanger.
“I’d love it if he could wear the HSV shirt again next season. At the same time, we have to be realistic. Players of this calibre are in a price bracket that HSV simply cannot afford.”
Vieira established himself as a creative leader during his loan spell, and Hamburg believe he would play a central role in their plans if a permanent deal can be reached.
Arsenal’s valuation remains the biggest obstacle
The main stumbling block is Arsenal’s valuation.
Hamburg previously had the option to sign Vieira for around €22 million, but the club decided against activating the clause due to financial limitations.
Krüger admitted that figure remains well beyond the club’s reach.
“We have an economic gap to make up over the past few years. That price is out of the question for us.”
According to reports in Germany, Hamburg hope Arsenal’s demands could fall significantly later in the transfer window if no major offers arrive from elsewhere.
The Bundesliga club reportedly believe a fee closer to €10 million could eventually become realistic, although that strategy carries obvious risks.
Nottingham Forest could complicate negotiations
Hamburg are not the only club monitoring Vieira's situation.
Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the 26-year-old, meaning Arsenal may yet receive stronger offers than Hamburg can afford.
If Premier League interest intensifies, the German side's hopes of negotiating a reduced transfer fee could quickly disappear.
Key points
- Hamburg want to sign Fabio Vieira permanently from Arsenal.
- Sporting director Kathleen Krüger has confirmed the midfielder remains a priority.
- Arsenal's previous €22 million asking price is considered unaffordable by Hamburg.
- The Bundesliga club hope the fee could eventually fall closer to €10 million.
- Nottingham Forest are also interested in signing Vieira.
What's next?
Hamburg are expected to remain patient while monitoring Vieira's situation throughout the transfer window. If Arsenal receive no suitable offers, negotiations could reopen later in the summer at a reduced valuation.
Arsenal, meanwhile, must decide whether to hold firm on their asking price or compromise to secure a permanent transfer for a player who appears unlikely to feature prominently next season.
Should Arsenal lower their asking price to secure Fabio Vieira's permanent departure, or wait for a bigger offer from another club?
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