Arsenal could help unlock Declan Rice with a move to gazump Atletico Madrid in their pursuit
Arsenal have been handed an opening in the race to sign Morten Hjulmand after the Sporting CP chief revealed that they have rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid. The Gunners are said to be in the hunt to sign the Dane but face competition from the Spanish giants and Premier League rivals Manchester City.
It had been claimed that Diego Simeone’s side were closing in on his signature after an agreement had been reached. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas says they have rebuffed a bid from the La Liga outfit, which opens the door for Arsenal to swoop.
The Premier League champions dealt with Sporting 12 months ago when they won the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres and it has been suggested that they could go through it again. But they will have to persuade the tough negotiator at the Portuguese giants, who has made a telling revelation 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 elsewhere have claimed that he could be allowed to leave for as much as £43million (€50m), while it has been suggested that his release clause is €80m (£69m).
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Hjulmand is said to have aspirations of playing in the Premier League, and a move to Arsenal in particular would fulfil a dream for the midfielder. The defensive midfielder reportedly has a tattoo of their badge on his shoulder, while he had posters of iconic midfielder Patrick Vieira growing up.
Martin Zubimendi was brought in as a partner for Declan Rice as Arsenal won the race to sign the 27-year-old, a year after he’d turned down Liverpool to remain at Real Sociedad.
The Spaniard was ever-present for the Gunners during their return to the summit of English football. Arteta could look to strengthen the squad in the form of Hjulmand, with Christian Norgaard’s future uncertain, while Myles Lewis-Skelly moved into midfield after playing his way back into the frame.
In recent months, speculation over Arsenal’s transfer dealings has been focused on attacking areas, with the Premier League-winning tactician to be given the keys to continue improving so they don’t stand still.
The Gunners were said to have highlighted Atletico’s Julian Alvarez as a target. but the former City man reportedly has his sights on a move to Barcelona.
Bradley Barcola and Morgan Rogers have emerged as other options, with the England international charting top of the list after a superb season with Aston Villa.
However, Unai Emery’s side are said to want in excess of £130million for his services with the market for an attacking playmaker facing bloated valuations due to the spending sprees that have seen Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson make cross-Premier League moves for eyewatering sums.
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