Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could have work to do in the transfer market regardless of what happens in the final few games of the season
05:00, 17 May 2026
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta and Arsenal face a do-or-die run of games(Image: Alex Pantling, Getty Images)
Arsenal are entering a crucial period with three massive games up ahead, while behind the scenes there has been considerable discussion about what is needed this summer. All signs point towards a hectic transfer window, with potential for a highly-rated midfielder to join.
Mikel Arteta's side face Burnley on Monday before travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day of the Premier League season. They might already have one trophy in their hands when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 but there's also still the unthinkable prospect of ending the season without any honours.
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is amongst the recent names connected with the Gunners, though there is also growing chatter surrounding one of his former Sporting CP colleagues. We have already seen speculation about which players might depart north London this summer but there ought to be space for ins as well as outs.
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There is also the significant matter of manager Arteta's own plans beyond his current contract. These are among the subjects we will explore as we deliver the latest developments from around the Emirates Stadium.
Door open for Hjulmand move
Arsenal may hold a significant advantage in the race for Danish international Morten Hjulmand amid suggestions the midfielder will leave Sporting CP this summer. Hjulmand is known to be an Arsenal supporter and Portuguese media report he was poised to leave Lisbon in January before agreeing to remain until the summer.
The 26-year-old has risen to prominence for Sporting following the high-profile exits of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte earlier in the decade. He emulated Fernandes by featuring in the Primeira Liga team of the season twice during a stint at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Lisbon, Portugal - April 19: Sporting's Morten Hjulmand organizing defense during the Primeira Liga match between Sporting CP and SL Benfica at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 19, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Morten Hjulmand has been tipped to leave Sporting this summer(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Hjulmand's contract is reported to include a £69million release clause, although he could be attainable for roughly half that amount. Arsenal will still face competition from Manchester United, who have been linked with the Dane as they aim to replace departing midfielder Casemiro.
Arteta conversation will wait
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal aren't expected engage in discussions over a fresh contract for the manager until after the season ends, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners boss penned his existing deal in 2024 and it extends until the conclusion of the 2026/27 campaign.
"Mikel Arteta remains in conversations with Arsenal over a new contract, but nothing will be done or completed now," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "It's a topic for after the end of the season.
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"Now the full focus is on the Premier League title and Champions League. After that, any moment could be good for Arsenal and Arteta to continue their conversations and try to close the agreement over a new deal."