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More details emerge about Hamburg’s signing of two Arsenal players
(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Arsenal entered the last transfer window determined to streamline their squad, with particular attention given to players struggling for game time. Among those identified for potential departures were Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

As the Gunners invested heavily in strengthening their first team, both Vieira and Lokonga found themselves slipping further down the selection order at the Emirates Stadium. Remaining at Arsenal would likely have consigned them to the margins of the squad, their opportunities limited to occasional appearances rather than consistent involvement. The need to find a solution became clear, yet interest from other clubs was scarce, creating a challenging situation for the Gunners.

Hamburg’s Timely Opportunity

In this context, Hamburg saw an opportunity to make a bold move. Although fully aware that their proposition might not represent the first choice for either footballer, the German club could offer what Arsenal could not: guaranteed game time. For players seeking to revitalise their careers, this proved an appealing prospect.

Ultimately, Hamburg secured the services of Albert Sambi Lokonga permanently, while Fabio Vieira joined them on loan. This dual acquisition was considered an impressive outcome for the Bundesliga side, which recognised the technical quality and versatility both players could bring. Importantly, Hamburg were confident the pair possessed sufficient ability to feature regularly in their starting eleven, ensuring the moves benefited all parties involved.

Details of the Agreements

According to Sport Witness, Hamburg concluded a deal for Lokonga valued at only 300,000 euros, a relatively modest fee in today’s market. In addition, the report indicated that a separate arrangement was reached for Vieira, whose temporary switch to Germany was completed for an undisclosed loan fee. However, the report further noted that should Vieira play regularly for Hamburg, the club would not be obliged to pay any additional fee, making the deal particularly advantageous.

The overall outcome represented a positive resolution for Arsenal, who had faced the prospect of retaining two players without meaningful roles in the squad. The departures of Lokonga and Vieira, albeit under different terms, allowed the Gunners to reduce congestion within their ranks while enabling the players to pursue valuable competitive experience abroad.

The situation underlines the challenges faced by top-flight clubs in balancing strong investment with the responsibility of managing squad depth. For Arsenal, the moves to Hamburg provided a pragmatic solution to what could otherwise have become an enduring difficulty.

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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