Arsenal are enjoying a historic season, but are already making plans to add to their squad for next year.
The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with just two games remaining of their campaign, although Man City have a game in hand, while they will also take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final at the end of the month.
However, Mikel Arteta is not ready to stop and wait on his laurels, and the Spaniard is understood to already be making moves to bolster the squad, with a midfield signing reportedly being eyed.
Arsenal Hold Hjulmand Talks
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP playing against Bayern Munich
According to a report by Caught Offside, Arsenal have held talks with Sporting CP over a move to sign midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer.
The Denmark international, who has been described as an 'absolute monster', has an €80m (£69m) release clause in his contract with the Lisbon club, but it's understood that he is expected to be made available for around £52m, and Arsenal have retained an interest since the two teams clashed in the Champions League earlier this season.
Arsenal and Sporting have a good relationship, having been in talks for much of last summer about a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, but it's understood this deal won't be straightforward to complete, despite the Portuguese giants 'giving the signal' that a transfer can be done.
The Gunners are likely to look for midfield reinforcements, with Christian Norgaard expected to move on after having minimal impact since moving to the Emirates Stadium, while there are question marks over the future of Ethan Nwaneri too.
Sporting have set their initial asking price low to incite a bidding war, and while Arsenal have held talks about a move, it remains unclear if they will make a formal move for the 26-year-old.
Hjulmand Move Makes Sense
Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting
Arsenal are likely to need to add ready-made players to their squad for next season if they want to maintain the level of success they have found this year, and Hjulmand can do that.
Experience at the highest level is hard to come by, and while a £52m fee isn't cheap, the qualities that he brings to any side that he is in make it a fair price, and he would be an upgrade on a player like Norgaard.
Hjulmand may want to play more often than his international colleague has, but Arteta is likely to trust him more given he is a better all-round player, and he'd provide excellent cover and depth for Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, so this is a moce that would make sense if it goes through.
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