‘Very likely’: Arsenal tipped as possible destination for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand
Arsenal have been highlighted as a potential destination for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer, according to Portuguese outlet Record (page 2).
The Gunners are planning to reinforce their midfield department, and they could make two additions during the upcoming transfer window.
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is set to join as a replacement for Jorginho.
Talks are underway with Thomas Partey over a renewal beyond June 30. If there is no progress, David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal will pursue an alternative.
Amidst this, Record claim that Arsenal could provide competition to Manchester United in the race to sign Hjulmand from Sporting CP.
The Dane is ‘particularly appreciated’ by United manager Ruben Amorim after their time in Lisbon.
However, it is ‘very likely’ that Arsenal are also interested, having had an emissary watching Sporting CP’s 1-1 draw against Benfica.
Hjulmand once admitted his dream of playing for the Gunners, but it ‘no longer seems improbable’.
Arsenal may not make a huge outlay on Hjulmand
The Gunners are poised to land Zubimendi from Sociedad after a long-term pursuit. The club will pay his release clause worth £51 million.
In our view, the hierarchy may not spend big on another holding midfielder this summer.
Hjulmand is a specialist number six. The Dane is known for his strong distribution skills and has completed 91 percent of his passes in the Portuguese top-flight this season.
He has also won 62 percent of his duels alongside 5.7 recoveries and 1.9 tackles per game. The 25-year-old would be a good acquisition, but the budget may act as a stumbling block.
With the need for a marquee striker and possibly a versatile winger, the Gunners may not make a huge outlay on Hjulmand, who has a £67m buy-out clause in his contract.
Sporting CP could be willing to negotiate on the package, but the hierarchy may prefer a younger profile who can provide more in an attacking point of view from midfield.
Chelsea’s Andrey Santos seems perfect amid his fine season on loan at Strasbourg. He has bagged 10 goals and five assists for the Ligue 1 side, playing as a defensive midfielder.
The 21-year-old could be purchased for a much lesser transfer figure, but the big question is whether the Blues will consider strengthening a direct league rival next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
