Hamburg have decided against triggering the option to buy Fabio Vieira from Arsenal, despite the midfielder's impressive season in the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old joined the newly-promoted side on loan last summer, but the German club have not taken up the permanent transfer clause.
Vieira was Arsenal's top scorer in the 2025-26 campaign, netting seven goals and providing six assists in 29 league appearances. However, Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa confirmed that talks are still ongoing regarding a potential future move. “We will be holding talks with the various parties in the coming days,” Costa said.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder, who joined Arsenal for around £35m in 2022, has struggled to establish himself in north London. The Gunners had hoped to sell him permanently this summer, but with the option now lapsed, Vieira will return to Arsenal along with five other Hamburg loanees, including Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic.
Vieira becomes the second Arsenal loanee to have his transfer status clarified recently, after Porto announced the permanent signing of Jakub Kiwior for £14m, potentially rising to £19m. Kiwior helped Porto win the Primeira Liga title and signed a four-year deal with a £60m release clause.
