Arsenal loanee trains alone as transfer talks continue

The midfielder wants to return to Hamburg for pre-season, but their reported budget remains well below the option agreed in his loan deal.

HAMBURG, GERMANY: Fábio Vieira of Hamburgb reacts during the DFB Cup round of 16 match between Hamburger SV and Holstein Kiel at Volksparkstadion on December 03, 2025. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) — Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Fabio Vieira is working with a personal trainer while Arsenal and Hamburg continue talks over his future following his successful loan spell in Germany.

The 26-year-old missed out on representing Portugal at the World Cup, despite finishing the season as Hamburg’s leading scorer with seven goals, but he reportedly remains keen to return to the club.

Negotiations, however, over a permanent transfer are expected to take time, not least because of the difference between what Arsenal want and what the Germans can afford to pay.

Vieira’s loan included an option to buy for around €20m to €22m. Hamburg are reportedly able to pay only close to €10m in instalments, a figure Arsenal are not prepared to accept at present.

Their record transfer outlay currently stands at €14m and they have paid €10m or more for a player just four times.

Fabio Vieira of Hamburger SV scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and FC Bayern München at Volksparkstadion on January 31, 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) — Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

The midfielder is currently valued at €18m, while Arsenal paid €35m to sign him. With a large difference between Hamburg’s reported budget and the price agreed in the loan deal, his next move remains a mystery.

According to Bild, both clubs are working towards a permanent transfer, but no agreement is close. Vieira would prefer to report for Hamburg’s pre-season performance tests on July 6 and 7, rather than wait for Arsenal’s preparations that begin later.

In the meantime, he is working with a private trainer at the Boost Campus run by former professional Claudio Borges, to maintain his fitness.

COLOGNE, GERMANY: Fabio Vieira of Hamburger SV reacts during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and Hamburger SV at RheinEnergieStadion on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) — Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Vieira’s seven goals made him an important player for Hamburg, but, as expected when the loan was agreed, the financial terms remain the main obstacle to a permanent deal.

Arsenal have little reason to accept an offer significantly below both his current valuation and the option agreed when the loan was arranged, particularly not when there are also rumours of Premier League interest.

HAMBURG, GERMANY: Fabio Vieira of Hamburger SV celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart at Volksparkstadion on November 30, 2025. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) — Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

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