As HSV wait, Arsenal put Vieira in the shop window | OneFootball

Fábio Vieira returned to FC Arsenal after his loan spell at HSV expired and featured in the club’s first pre-season friendlies.

His presence left some fans puzzled, but his contract still runs until 30 June 2027. Coach Mikel Arteta no longer has any sporting use for Vieira, yet still called on him during the current pre-season. The attacking midfielder came on for Kai Havertz after 33 minutes in the first friendly against Girona (4-1), but had to make way again just under half an hour later, as Arsenal wanted to give playing time to 25 players in total.

On Wednesday evening, the English champions faced Real Betis in Dublin and were second best throughout. They were already trailing 1-3 at half-time. Vieira once again replaced Havertz afterwards and this time was even allowed to stay on until the final whistle. However, he did not have any decisive impact on the match. The Gunners created hardly any scoring chances in the second half, so the result remained unchanged.

Photo: IMAGO

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Another friendly against Borussia Dortmund follows on Sunday — an opponent Vieira already knows from the Bundesliga. In the 2-3 defeat last March, he set up the interim 2-0 with a wonderful pass to Albert Sambi Lokonga. HSV hope to continue benefiting from the Portuguese playmaker’s flashes of brilliance in the future, but are unable to meet Arsenal’s demanded fee of around €18 million.

As a result, the planned permanent signing is turning into a drawn-out affair despite an agreement with Vieira’s side. The move will likely only happen if Arsenal cannot find a financially stronger buyer. That is why Arteta is putting the technically gifted player, whom the club prised away from Porto in 2022 for more than €35 million, in the shop window. Strong performances in the friendlies could also catch the eye of other clubs.

Nur die Raute – All the news about HSV

Whether that strategy will work should become clear over the remaining three and a half weeks of the transfer window. Ultimately, a move is only possible with the player’s consent. As is well known, Vieira has committed himself to HSV. Arsenal, meanwhile, would likely let him go for a lower fee this summer in order to save at least one year’s salary.

Photo: IMAGO

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.