Arsenal are looking to bolster several areas of their squad ahead of their first Premier League title defence since 2005
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Bruno Guimaraes of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Brazil and Japan at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Bruno Guimaraes has been a transfer target for Arsenal(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Arsenal may soon have the opportunity to sign Sporting Lisbon skipper Morten Hjulmand. The Sporting ace is a man in demand after his club recently rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, but with the Gunners' pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes looking difficult, he is now believed to be on Arsenal's list. Mikel Arteta's side are looking to bolster their midfield to support the likes of Declan Rice.
It had been reported that Diego Simeone's outfit were nearing his acquisition after a deal had been struck. Nevertheless, Sporting president Frederico Varandas states they have dismissed an approach from the La Liga club, which creates an opening for Arsenal to pounce.
The Premier League champions conducted business with Sporting 12 months ago when they prevailed in the battle to capture Viktor Gyokeres and it has been indicated that they may repeat the process. Yet they will need to convince the formidable negotiator at the Portuguese club, who has delivered a significant statement to outlet O Jogo.
He said: "We're talking about hypothetical scenarios. Hjulmand is still a Sporting player. We received an offer from Atletico Madrid, which we rejected. It's a long way from the value we want.
"We have established a fair value, appropriate for his age, his position and the years he has spent at Sporting. Both the player and his agents know that value. Anything below it and the player stays."
Reports from other sources have suggested that he may be permitted to depart for as much as £43million (€50m), while it has been proposed that his release clause stands at €80m (£69m).
Hjulmand is reportedly keen on testing himself in the Premier League, and a switch to Arsenal specifically would represent a dream come true for the 27-year-old. The defensive midfielder has a tattoo of their crest on his shoulder, and grew up with posters of legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira adorning his walls.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 16: Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP thanks supporters for standing following the Primeira Liga match between Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 16, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Hjulmand has also been linked with Manchester United(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Martin Zubimendi was recruited as a partner for Declan Rice as Arsenal won the race to secure the 27-year-old's signature, a year after he had snubbed Liverpool to stay at Real Sociedad. The Spaniard was a constant presence for the Gunners throughout their return to the top of English football.
Arteta may look to reinforce his options with Hjulmand, given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Norgaard's future, while Myles Lewis-Skelly shifted into midfield after forcing his way back into contention.
In recent months, transfer speculation surrounding Arsenal has largely centred on attacking reinforcements, with the Premier League-winning boss set to be backed financially to keep pushing the club forward rather than standing still.
Mikel Arteta could reinforce his midfield ahead of Arsenal's Premier League title defence.
Mikel Arteta could reinforce his midfield ahead of Arsenal's Premier League title defence.(Image: PA)
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The Gunners were reportedly said to have identified Atletico's Julian Alvarez as a priority target, though the former City man is understood to have his heart set on a switch to Barcelona. Bradley Barcola and Morgan Rogers have emerged as further alternatives, with the England international sitting firmly at the top of the shortlist following a stunning campaign with Aston Villa.
However, Unai Emery's side are reportedly demanding upwards of £130million for the player, with the market for attacking playmakers facing inflated valuations driven by the lavish spending that saw Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson complete cross-Premier League transfers for staggering fees.
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