Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to duel for Morten Hjulmand’s signature this summer, with Sporting CP’s captain now firmly on the radar of both Premier League clubs. The 26-year-old midfielder has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of next season, even as neither club has yet submitted an official bid.
Hjulmand’s rise at Sporting has been swift and decisive. He arrived from Lecce at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign in a deal worth around €21 million, then earned the captain’s armband from former manager Ruben Amorim after one season at the club. Since then, he has helped Sporting win two Liga Portugal titles and one Portuguese Cup, becoming one of the most reliable midfielders in the Portuguese league.
The money around any deal is likely to be the central issue. Hjulmand’s contract reportedly carries an €80 million release clause, but Sporting also have a gentleman’s agreement with him that would allow a transfer for around €40 million, or about £35 million. That lower figure matters because it reflects the club’s willingness to strike a practical deal rather than force a drawn-out standoff over the full clause.
There is also history here. Hjulmand had already tried to secure a move away at the start of the season, before Sporting persuaded him to stay for another year by promising cooperation if the right offer came in during the summer. Now that promise may be tested. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury, which adds another layer to the timing of any move and may affect how quickly interested clubs press ahead.
For Sporting, the picture is complicated by both sporting and financial reality. The club are said to be likely to finish second in the Portuguese league this season, and Hjulmand has remained central to their midfield despite the uncertainty around his future. For Arsenal, the interest fits a wider plan to strengthen midfield options ahead of next season. Manchester United are also tracking several names, including Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Tchouameni, but Hjulmand’s profile and availability make him a serious contender in the market.
The next step is straightforward, if not simple: one of the Premier League clubs has to turn interest into a formal approach. Until that happens, Sporting are holding the leverage, but not by much. Hjulmand has already made clear that his future can move quickly once the right offer lands, and this summer may decide whether his stay in Lisbon ends after one more season or after a longer run of titles and captaincy.
