Before Guimarães emerged as a frontrunner, Morten Hjulmand was among the names associated with a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal-linked Morten Hjulmand agrees terms to join Atletico Madrid
Hjulmand has been associated with a move to Arsenal for some time. The Sporting CP captain has established himself as one of the standout players in Portugal in recent years and has been seeking a step up to a bigger stage. Several Premier League clubs have shown an interest, and he has been viewed as a potential target by the champions in England.
In May, reports suggested Arsenal were leading the chase to sign Hjulmand, who was ready to depart Sporting. However, developments have since shifted. A Bola reported that Hjulmand has actually agreed personal terms to join Atletico Madrid in the near future. At this stage, the remaining hurdle is for Atletico Madrid to finalize an agreement with Sporting.
Photograph: Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP) in action against a fellow European side.
Morten Hjulmand was never the right fit for Arsenal
Viewed as a backup option to cover for Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, a move for Hjulmand made sense as a depth signing this summer. Dubbed by some as “fantastic” by Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP captain could have complemented Arsenal’ s midfield trio. Yet he did not become a main doubtless plan, and Arsenal redirected their focus toward other targets. As a result, a transfer did not materialize, and attention shifted toward a potential signature from Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães.
Conclusion
The January-to-summer transfer window has seen Arsenal weighing multiple midfield options as they seek to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad. While Hjulmand’s name has featured prominently in discussions, the club ultimately pursued other targets, with Guimarães emerging as a leading candidate for the midfield role. The market remains active as Arsenal look to complete the planned four acquisitions before the window closes.
