Arsenal exit nears! Gunners prepared to cut their losses on forgotten star as €20m transfer beckons

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Arsenal are reportedly prepared to cut their losses on a forgotten star, with a €20 million move on the cards.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira joined Hamburg on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan, linking up with old team-mate Sambi Lokonga, who signed for the German side permanently hours earlier. Now, Bild claims there is an option to buy the Portuguese for €20m (£17.3m) next year.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

There was a great deal of excitement when Arsenal signed the then 22-year-old in the summer of 2022 for a fee worth up to £34.2m ($46.3m). But he has struggled to make an impact, spent last season on loan at his former team, FC Porto, and now may be sold at a loss by the Gunners.

DID YOU KNOW?

The report adds that Vieira has joined for an initial loan fee of €400,000 but that can be reduced if he becomes a regular starter for Hamburg. If they kept him long term, the 25-year-old would become the most expensive signing in the club's history.

Arsenal v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly

WHAT NEXT?

There is said to be no pressure on Hamburg to activate this buy option as it runs until mid-May, when the Bundesliga season ends. If recruited, Vieira would sign a four-year deal and Arsenal will retain a sell-on clause between 10-20 per cent.