Arsenal duo in for shock Bundesliga transfers as Hamburg wrap up permanent move alongside €20m loan deal

Hamburg are set to complete a surprise double swoop for Arsenal midfielders Vieira and Sambi, according to reports from Sky and Hamburger Abendblatt. Vieira is expected to join the Bundesliga side on loan for the season, while Lokonga will reportedly make a permanent switch.

The move sees Arsenal offload two players who have failed to establish themselves at the Emirates Stadium. Vieira, who joined from FC Porto for €35 million (£30m/$41m) in 2022, spent last season back on loan at his former club after struggling for minutes and undergoing groin surgery. Similarly, Lokonga, a €17.5m (£15m/$21m) signing from Anderlecht in 2021, was on loan at Sevilla last term, where his campaign was disrupted by thigh injuries.

As part of the loan agreement for Vieira, Hamburg have reportedly secured an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €20m (£17m/$23m).

Both players are reportedly scheduled to undergo medicals to finalise their respective transfers. The deals will continue Arsenal's efforts to trim their squad of fringe players. For Hamburg, the double signing represents a significant boost to their midfield options as they look to integrate the duo into their squad for the season ahead. 

Additional reporting by Jonas Rutten.