Atletico Madrid are confident of signing Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand for a fee of €40million (£34m), despite Chelsea making a late, higher financial offer to hijack the deal. The Denmark international has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, but Atletico have now agreed a fee with Sporting and are optimistic the transfer will be completed soon.
Hjulmand chooses Atletico over Chelsea's higher offer
According to Cadena Ser, Chelsea approached Hjulmand in recent hours with a 'higher financial offer' than Atletico's proposal, aiming to lure him to Stamford Bridge. However, the 27-year-old midfielder remains set on joining Atletico, and the Spanish club does not anticipate any problems finalising the deal. Talks between all parties have accelerated, with optimism that the transfer will be wrapped up shortly.
Manchester United's interest and other suitors
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim had targeted Hjulmand during his time at Old Trafford, while Manchester City's director of football Hugo Viana, formerly of Sporting, is also a known admirer. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield after last season's Premier League title success, with focus now on Bruno Guimaraes. Despite this widespread interest, Atletico have moved decisively to secure Hjulmand's signature.
Chelsea's midfield reshuffle
Chelsea's pursuit of Hjulmand comes after they were rebuffed in an attempt to sign Granit Xhaka from Sunderland. The Blues made an £8m offer for the former Arsenal captain, which was instantly rejected. Sunderland made it clear Xhaka is not for sale, and the Switzerland international has since confirmed his intention to stay at the Stadium of Light.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are on the brink of selling midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United for £50m. The Brazil international, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg before returning to Chelsea last season, is expected to undergo a medical today. With Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia also in the squad, Santos made 25 starting appearances across all competitions last season, including 13 in the Premier League.
Impact on Chelsea's transfer strategy
Missing out on Hjulmand represents a setback for Chelsea, who are looking to add experience to their young squad. The club has already seen one midfield target slip away in Xhaka, and now Hjulmand has chosen Atletico despite a better financial offer. The Blues may now turn to alternative targets as they continue to reshape their squad under the new ownership.
