Arsenal FC confirm first Deadline Day deal as Mikel Arteta frees up space in squad

The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at the Bundesliga club and talks have been ongoing all summer over a return to Germany.

Hamburg decided not to activate their option to make that loan move permanent for £17million and have instead negotiated a lower fee.

Standard Sport understands that Vieira has joined Hamburg for a fee of around £8.5m.

It represents a significant loss for Arsenal, who signed the Portuguese midfielder in 2022 for £34m from Porto.

However, Vieira went on to make just five Premier League starts for the club as he struggled to get up to speed with the physicality of English football.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan, first back at Porto and then with Hamburg.

He impressed in the Bundesliga last season, scoring seven goals, but there was never any intention for him to be brought back into the first-team fold at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Vieira was involved in pre-season this summer, though that was to keep him fit in preparation for a transfer.

It is set to be a busy Deadline Day for Arsenal on the outgoings front.

Gabriel Jesus will join Barcelona, while Gabriel Martinelli is in Saudi Arabia to complete his £60m move to Al-Hilal.

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