"It wasn't an easy time for me" – Fábio Vieira reflects on difficult spell at Arsenal and "important step" to HSV | OneFootball

During last summer's transfer window, Hamburger SV pulled off a transfer coup by signing Fábio Vieira on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal.

With little prospect of regular playing time at Arsenal, Vieira managed to secure the move just before the window shut – and given the significant role he has played for HSV this season, he’s glad he did.

“It wasn’t an easy time for me,” Vieira told Sport Bild, reflecting on last summer.

“It was clear that I wouldn’t get much playing time at Arsenal, so I wanted to move. The transfer window only had two days left, I was alone in London, and I was waiting to see what opportunities might arise. I was nervous because I didn’t know what would happen next for me.

“It’s great that things worked out with Hamburg. I’m happy here and enjoying football again. The past two years at Arsenal didn’t go so well for me. Moving to HSV was a very good and important step in my career,” he added.

Could HSV sign Fabio Vieira permanently?

HSV reportedly want to sign Vieira on a permanent basis. The challenge, however, is that the Bundesliga side can't afford the €20 million purchase option agreed with Arsenal. 

As a result, they will most likely try to negotiate a lower fee, with Bild reporting that HSV have set a budget in the high single-digit million range for the transfer.

“I have no influence over the purchase option – we’ll see what happens in the end,” Vieira said on the possibility of staying at HSV.

“I’m happy here. HSV is a great club with a rich history. Before my move, I was shown a video highlighting the club’s achievements, like winning what is now known as the Champions League and league titles. That’s impressive. Hamburg is a wonderful city, too. My family and I feel very comfortable here.

“The fact is, I still have a contract with Arsenal (until 2027, editor’s note). But generally, it’s always good for a player to know early which club you’re playing for – to take part in pre-season with the team and integrate quickly.”

The Portuguese midfielder has so far scored five goals and provided five assists in 23 appearances for HSV this season.