Arsenal have set an asking price of £15.4 million for midfielder Fabio Vieira amid interest from Hamburg, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Portuguese spent last season on loan with Hamburg. He had a rough start with two red cards, but went on to play a pivotal role with 13 goal contributions.
The Bundesliga side are determined to re-sign Vieira permanently, and Plettenberg reports that the 25-year-old likewise wants a reunion with them.
As things stand, no progress has been made over the transfer fee, given the Gunners are demanding up to £15.4m to part ways with the former Porto ace.
Arsenal should not provide a discount on Vieira fee
Vieira has failed to meet expectations under Gunners manager Mikel Arteta. He has struggled to adapt to the extra physicality and intensity of the Premier League.
However, he has proven his credentials in German football. The midfielder scored seven goals and provided six assists from 31 appearances for Hamburg last term.
Vieira played a key part in Hamburg beating the drop, but the Bundesliga club have a lower transfer budget and seem reluctant to pay more than £8.6m for his services.
We believe Arsenal should not give in to the player’s desire and they should seek a higher package, given the Portuguese is in the prime phase of his playing career.
£15.4m is a fairly decent figure after Vieira’s impressive loan campaign. A Premier League club could easily afford to spend such a transfer fee for the playmaker.
Arsenal should send a final take-it-or-leave-it offer to Hamburg. If they are reluctant to match it, the Gunners should offer Vieira’s services to other top European sides.
Like Vieira, Reiss Nelson has also been out of the Gunners’ picture. The former England youth international is attracting interest from abroad, with Benfica and Valencia keen.
Stats from Transfermarkt
