Arsenal Circle Back on Sporting's Combative Captain as Man United Steal Ahead

Arsenal have reignited their pursuit of Sporting CP's combative midfield general Morten Hjulmand, yet sources suggest the Gunners face a stern fight to land the Portuguese outfit's captain this summer.

The 26-year-old Dane has proven himself one of the Primeira Liga's standout performers, accumulating 43 appearances this season with two goals and six assists to his name. What truly sets Hjulmand apart, however, is his relentless work in the trenches—he sits in the 95th percentile for tackles won among European midfielders, a player who thrives on confrontation and territorial dominance.

Hjulmand committed to staying put last summer with the understanding that a premium move would materialise in 2026. That moment appears to have arrived. Following Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final triumph over Sporting, the Gunners have made fresh enquiries about his availability, with Mikel Arteta's recruitment team also eyeing teammates Ivan Fresneda and Ousmane Diomande.

Yet the outlook for Arsenal appears cloudy. Manchester United and Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Hjulmand's signature, according to sources close to the situation. A figure familiar with negotiations revealed: "Arsenal were in touch recently, Man Utd are also asking to be kept informed. Sporting have given clubs the signal—he has an €80m release clause, but start negotiations at around €60m and there's a chance he can go. This is their model, and has been for a long time. They know this is a chance to make significant profit on the player, and he'll be keen to make the step up to a higher level as well."

Sporting's valuation sits at €60 million (£52m), well below the €80 million (£70m) exit clause embedded in Hjulmand's contract. The Portuguese club's willingness to negotiate reflects their established strategy of cashing in on academy graduates and developed talent.

Arsenal have seemingly identified Hjulmand as a successor to Christian Norgaard, the midfielder who arrived at the Emirates just twelve months ago but is expected to depart when the window reopens.

Manchester City have also thrown their hat into the ring, though their interest may hinge on developments elsewhere. Should City fail to secure Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson—a scenario that would constitute a genuine shock at present—Pep Guardiola's outfit would likely enter negotiations for Hjulmand.

For Manchester United, Hjulmand represents a secondary midfield option, to be pursued following a marquee signing. The Red Devils continue to track Brighton's Carlos Baleba while simultaneously probing whether Real Madrid might entertain offers for Aurelien Tchouameni or Federico Valverde.

Arsenal must therefore navigate a crowded marketplace if they are to prise Hjulmand away from the Iberian Peninsula.