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Arsenal’s hopes of signing Morten Hjulmand are still very much alive. This is after Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed Atletico Madrid have already seen an offer rejected for the midfielder.
Over recent weeks, the Portuguese press had increasingly painted Atletico as the club leading the race for Sporting’s captain.
Reports suggested Diego Simeone’s side had reached an agreement with the player before formally opening negotiations with Sporting. This situation leaves Arsenal and Manchester City seemingly playing catch-up.
As relayed by O Jogo, Varandas has now confirmed those talks are real. But he has also confirmed Atletico are nowhere near getting a deal done.
Atletico bid rejected
Speaking to reporters following the Portuguese league fixture announcement, Varandas revealed Sporting have already turned down an offer from Atletico Madrid for Hjulmand.
“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,” the Sporting president said.
Varandas did not clarify whether the bid arrived during the current transfer window or dates back to January, but the timing comes immediately after reports that Atletico had begun formal negotiations with Sporting following an agreement with the player.
Arsenal still have an opening
The latest development also suggests the transfer race remains far from over. While Atletico may have convinced Hjulmand over personal terms, they still need to convince Sporting.
Varandas made it clear there is no intention of lowering the club’s demands.
“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.”
That effectively confirms what Portuguese reports have suggested for months. Sporting, Hjulmand and his representatives all know the price required to complete a transfer.
Arsenal are in a unique position to be well aware of this, having gone through a similar process with Viktor Gyökeres last summer.
Opportunity remains
Ousmande Diomande, Morten Hjulmand, Zeno De Bast
Oeiras, Portugal – 07 25 2025: Ousmane Diomande, Morten Hjulmand and Zeno Debast seen during Trofeu de Cinco Violinos game between teams of Sporting CP and Villarreal CF
The Gunners have consistently been linked with Hjulmand throughout the year. They have also repeatedly been presented in Portugal as one of the Premier League clubs most interested in the Denmark international.
A move to North London has also long been described as one that would allow Hjulmand to fulfil a childhood dream.
Atletico may have made the first move. But the first move has not been enough. With Sporting rejecting the opening proposal and insisting their valuation must be met, Arsenal still have every opportunity to enter the race if they decide to turn long-standing interest into a formal offer.
