Hamburg push for Fábio Vieira as Arsenal reject discounted transfer

Hamburg SV remain determined to sign Fábio Vieira from Arsenal this summer, although negotiations between the two clubs are still some way from reaching an agreement.

The Portuguese midfielder returned to the Emirates Stadium after Hamburg decided not to activate the €22 million purchase option included in last season's loan deal.

Despite recent reports suggesting an agreement had been reached, Bild claims those rumours are "fake news", insisting discussions remain ongoing with a significant gap between the two clubs' valuations.

Hamburg are reportedly willing to pay between €8 million and €9 million for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have already lowered their asking price from the original €22 million option to around €18 million but are unwilling to drop any further for now.

That leaves a difference of approximately €10 million between the two clubs, making an immediate breakthrough unlikely.

The Bundesliga club have made no secret of their desire to bring Vieira back following his successful loan spell.

Earlier this month, Hamburg chief financial officer Eric Huwer confirmed the club had submitted an offer to Arsenal.

"We're naturally very curious to see whether he and Arsenal will accept it. We fell a little bit in love with Fábio last year, but we're not going to be unreasonable."

According to Bild, Hamburg remain committed to completing the transfer but believe it will only become possible if Arsenal significantly reduce their demands.

Vieira has spent the last two seasons away from Arsenal on loan and is not expected to play a major role in Mikel Arteta's plans for the upcoming campaign.

With his contract running until 2027, both player and club are reportedly open to a permanent separation before the transfer window closes.

The report suggests Arsenal could become more flexible later in the window if no stronger offers arrive from elsewhere, potentially giving Hamburg another opportunity to negotiate a lower fee.

Negotiations are expected to continue throughout the transfer window as Hamburg wait to see whether Arsenal lower their valuation. If no alternative buyers emerge, the Bundesliga club hope to reopen talks later in the summer in an attempt to reach a compromise.