Arsenal are prepared to play a waiting game over Fabio Vieira’s future, with the midfielder potentially facing a transfer saga that extends well into the summer.
The Portuguese midfielder could be forced to wait until August to finalise his exit from Arsenal, as the two clubs remain far apart on a transfer fee.
Vieira would prefer to have a deal in place before pre-season begins, having already experienced the frustration of waiting until deadline day to join Hamburg on loan last season.
That loan arrangement included a purchase option set at around £17 million, but it is understood that option will not be triggered despite both Hamburg and the player wanting to continue their relationship.
Hamburg’s director of football Claus Costa and head coach Merlin Polzin have held private discussions with Vieira in an attempt to persuade him to stay at the club.
The German press has described those conversations as “intensive talks,” highlighting just how seriously Hamburg are pursuing a permanent deal for the midfielder.
The Bundesliga side are hoping to complete a transfer for under £8.7 million, looking to exploit the fact that Vieira’s Arsenal contract does not expire until 2027.
Arsenal, however, are holding firm and would prefer a fee closer to £13 million for the former Porto player, leaving a significant gap between the two parties.
HSV’s record transfer stands at £12.18 million, the fee paid for Filip Kostic from Stuttgart in 2016, which always made the original option to buy an ambitious figure.
Arsenal are aware that interest exists in Vieira from other clubs, giving them confidence that they do not need to accept Hamburg’s lower valuation to secure a sale.
Vieira was notably cautious last month when asked about his future, stopping short of committing himself to a return to the Volksparkstadion.
He said: “I have to be open to everything. Let’s see what happens.”
When pressed on whether he could picture himself staying, Vieira added: “I can’t say that yet. No matter what the future brings, I was very happy here and will be forever grateful to the HSV.”
He continued: “The club did everything for me, the support was amazing. I feel the love of the fans and the club. They all love me.”
Vieira contributed seven goals and five assists across 29 appearances last season, helping Hamburg to a midtable finish despite receiving two red cards within his opening five matches.
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