Arsenal have been given the green light to pursue Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has been described as the 'next Bruno Fernandes'. The 26-year-old Denmark international is reportedly an Arsenal fan and could leave Lisbon this summer after agreeing to stay until the end of the season.
Hjulmand's contract includes a £69million release clause, but Portuguese reports suggest he could be available for roughly half that amount. The midfielder has stepped up for Sporting since the departures of Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, earning multiple selections in the Primeira Liga team of the season.
Arsenal face competition from Manchester United, who are reportedly interested in Hjulmand as a potential replacement for Casemiro. However, the Gunners may have an advantage due to the player's admiration for the club.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's own future is also under discussion. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal plan to hold talks with Arteta over a new contract after the season ends. The current deal runs until 2027, but the club is keen to secure the manager's long-term commitment.
On the pitch, Arsenal face a crucial period with Premier League matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace, followed by the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. The outcome will determine whether they end the season with silverware or empty-handed.
