Arsenal prepared to drop fee for 26yo

Arsenal prepared to drop fee for 26yo Hamburg remain well short of Arsenal’s valuation, but a recent sale has strengthened their hand as talks continue over the Portuguese midfielder. Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images Arsenal are reportedly prepared to negotiate a lower fee for Fabio Vieira , offering Hamburg fresh hope of securing the midfielder on a permanent deal before the transfer window closes. Vieira spent last season on loan with the newly promoted Bundesliga side, with the agreement including a reported purchase option worth between €20 million and €22 million. That clause was never really expected to be activated, given it comfortably exceeded Hamburg’s transfer record, despite the Portuguese midfielder producing enough during his spell to convince the club they wanted to keep him. The 25-year-old contributed two league goals and four assists in his first 15 Bundesliga appearances, with manager Merlin Polzin reportedly keen to build his side around him. Vieira also acknowledged during the campaign that remaining in Hamburg was a possibility, although he remains under contract with Arsenal until 2027. Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images Hamburg have instead attempted to negotiate a deal worth closer to €10 million, a valuation Arsenal have so far resisted. Having paid around €35 million to sign Vieira from Porto in 2022, the Gunners are understandably reluctant to accept such a significant loss, particularly with the belief another buyer could yet emerge. Fresh reports from Hamburger Abendblatt now suggest the gap between the clubs may finally be narrowing. Following the sale of Fabio Balde to Strasbourg for a reported €7 million plus bonuses, one supporter urged Hamburg to reinvest the money immediately, writing: “Please invest these seven million in a certain other Fabio.” According to the report, Arsenal are now signalling a willingness to negotiate in an effort to help facilitate a deal, even though both clubs remain several million euros apart in their valuations. The departure of Balde has strengthened Hamburg’s transfer budget and could allow sporting director Claus Costa to return with an improved offer before the transfer deadline. Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images