Sky Germany and Kicker currently report that FC Augsburg are set to sign Hoffenheim defender Arthur Chaves on loan. The 24-year-old Brazilian centre-back has featured just five times across all competitions for his current Bundesliga outfit this season. Augsburg, meanwhile, are urgently seeking help in the central defensive corps.
Who is Arthur Chaves?
Last season, the Académico de Viseu professional was something of a controversial figure. Hoffenheim signed Chaves away from the Portuguese second division for an exorbitant fee. Chaves happened to be one of the players associated with club patron Dietmar Hopp and his dubious confidant Roger Wittmann.
Chavez nevertheless proved himself to be worthy of the €6m the Sinsheimers paid for him and the defender received a contract extension this past July. It came as a surprise to see Chaves not play much of a role in head coach Christian Ilzer’s plans this year.
Will the loan go through?
One assumes that – given that the arrangement suits all parties involved – this deal should be wrapped up quickly. Hoffenheim have no need to retain Chaves. The Brazilian U23 international has not made an appearance since matchday five.
Augsburg require urgent help in central defense following an injury to defensive talisman Chrislain Matsima, but have so far only been able to acquire defensive midfielder Yannik Keitel on loan from Stuttgart during the current window.
