Arsenal set for permanent sale of midfielder

Arsenal are expected to part ways with midfielder Fabio Vieira on a permanent basis after his season-long loan at Hamburg this season.

The Portuguese ace joined the Bundesliga newcomers on loan from the Gunners last summer with an option to buy for around €20 million.

He had a slow start to his career at the German club, but his form has picked up. The 25-year-old has two goals and five assists from 17 matches.

Hamburg are expected to assess his performances for the remainder of the season. They could seek a permanent transfer if they avoid the drop.

As per BILD, Arsenal expect Vieira to be sold permanently for a good fee even if Hamburg pass up the opportunity to secure his transfer.

Vieira' progress at Hamburg has grabbed attention from elsewhere and there could be plenty of bids on the table for the versatile attacker.

West Ham and Stuttgart were linked with him last summer.