Arsenal agree to transfer Lokonga and Fábio Vieira to Hamburg in the Bundesliga
Arsenal have reached an agreement to transfer Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fábio Vieira to newly promoted Bundesliga side Hamburg. Lokonga will leave on a permanent deal, while Vieira is set to join on loan until the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal Greenlight Double Exit
The two midfielders, who struggled to secure consistent minutes under Mikel Arteta, will now look for a fresh start in Germany.
Lokonga (24 years old): Permanent transfer after loan spells at Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Sevilla. Despite his energy and box-to-box ability, the Belgian never cemented a place in Arsenal’s midfield.
Fábio Vieira (24 years old): Arrives on loan after injuries and inconsistent form derailed his time in London. Signed from Porto in 2022 for €35 million, Vieira’s technical quality never fully translated into Premier League success.
Arsenal have authorized Vieira to travel and finalize his contract with Hamburg before the transfer window closes.
Hamburg’s Ambitious Reinforcement Strategy
For Hamburg, recently promoted to the Bundesliga, the deals are seen as a strategic coup.
- Vieira could provide much-needed creativity and vertical passing in midfield.
- Lokonga is expected to add balance and versatility, capable of linking defense with attack.
Hamburg beat out competition from Stuttgart, who had explored a permanent transfer for Vieira but failed to strike an agreement.
Arsenal’s Transfer Policy
The exits are part of Arsenal’s wider push to trim the squad and reduce payroll while opening up space for academy prospects.
Although neither Lokonga nor Vieira became regulars under Arteta, Arsenal hope their exposure in the Bundesliga will help boost resale value and create future financial opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain focused on strengthening their squad depth to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League this season.
