Key Takeaways:
- Hamburger are finalising a permanent move for Albert Sambi Lokonga alongside a loan deal for Fabio Vieira, with an option to buy at €20 million
- Both Arsenal midfielders spent the previous season out on loan: Lokonga at Sevilla and Vieira at FC Porto
- Lokonga and Vieira are expected to undergo medicals imminently to complete their transfers to the Bundesliga side
Hamburger Close in on Lokonga and Vieira Signings
Hamburger are poised to bring in Arsenal midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira, according to reports from Sky and Hamburger Abendblatt. The German club is nearing agreements that would see Lokonga join on a permanent basis, while Vieira is set to arrive on loan, featuring a €20 million buy-out clause.
Background on the Transfers
Both midfielders have struggled to cement their places at Arsenal, prompting further moves away from the Emirates Stadium. Fabio Vieira signed for Arsenal from FC Porto in 2022 for a fee of €35 million (£30m/$41m), but saw limited action due to competition for places and required groin surgery. Consequently, he returned to Porto on loan last season. Lokonga, acquired from Anderlecht in 2021 for €17.5 million (£15m/$21m), also spent last term away from north London, featuring for Sevilla, although his spell was marred by thigh injuries.
Das ist ein Transfer-Hammer! Nach exklusiven Sky Sport Informationen ist Fabio Vieira (FC Arsenal) auf dem Weg nach Hamburg zum Medizincheck. Es handelt sich um eine Leihe mit Kaufoption. Diese liegt bei über 20 Millionen Euro. 💰
↪️ Vieira war 2022 für 35 Millionen Euro zu den… pic.twitter.com/jW2PixBa7j
— Sky Sport (@SkySportDE) September 1, 2025
| Player | Previous Loan Club (2024/25) | Type of Move to Hamburger | Fee/Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabio Vieira | FC Porto | Loan | €20 million purchase option |
| Albert Sambi Lokonga | Sevilla | Permanent | Undisclosed fee |
Deal Details and Arsenal’s Transfer Strategy
The loan arrangement for Vieira includes a reported €20 million (£17m/$23m) option for Hamburger to make the move permanent. Both Lokonga and Vieira are scheduled to undertake medical examinations before their transfers are finalised. These deals form part of Arsenal’s broader approach to reducing their squad size by moving on players who have not consistently featured in the first team.
Impact for Hamburger
The arrival of Lokonga and Vieira is set to considerably strengthen Hamburger’s midfield ranks for the coming Bundesliga season. Their integration into the squad will be closely monitored by analysts, with Hamburger seeking to leverage the duo’s experience as part of their campaign objectives.
