Arsenal are preparing to enter a transfer battle with Manchester City for Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand ahead of the 2026/27 season.
According to A Bola, both Premier League clubs are monitoring the Denmark international as they assess midfield reinforcement options this summer.
Hjulmand has developed into one of Sporting’s most influential players since arriving from Lecce, establishing himself as a key figure in Portugal.
His leadership and consistency in Lisbon have drawn serious attention from clubs in England, with interest growing steadily in recent weeks.
There is no confirmed agreement with any club at this stage, but the competition for his signature appears to be intensifying.
Arsenal may hold a unique advantage in this race, with Hjulmand reported to have supported the Gunners as a boyhood fan growing up.
While sentimental ties rarely define transfer decisions alone, it could become a meaningful factor if Arsenal make a serious approach.
Mikel Arteta’s squad may still require additional midfield depth this summer, particularly alongside established names like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.
Hjulmand would bring intensity, leadership, and defensive balance, qualities that could help Arsenal compete across both the Premier League and Champions League.
Manchester City’s involvement complicates things considerably, as they are pushing hard across multiple midfield targets during this transfer window.
The Guardian has reported that City are pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, suggesting a broader rebuild in the middle of the pitch is underway at the Etihad.
Sporting are protected by an €80m release clause, though reports suggest a deal could potentially be agreed for somewhere in the region of €40-50m.
A move to Serie A appears less likely at this point, with TEAMtalk reporting that AC Milan are no longer expected to push strongly for the midfielder.
Inter Milan and Napoli are considered the more realistic Italian options, though Premier League interest currently seems to be the dominant storyline surrounding his future.
Hjulmand may not be the flashiest midfield target available, but he represents the kind of reliable, aggressive, and intelligent profile that Arteta has consistently valued.
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