Manchester United And armory Morten are now emerging as the two clubs with the strongest case for Hjulmand.
The Sporting captain's expected summer departure is looking like a Premier League battle straight out.
In recent weeks, Manchester City He looks to be the frontrunner after reports in Portugal claimed Hugo Viana's relationship with Hjulmand had given the Premier League champions a significant advantage.
Soon after, Manchester United moved ahead of their rivals.
Now the latest report from Portugal puts both United and Arsenal at the front of the queue, with both clubs seriously pursuing the Danish midfielder ahead of the summer window.
the agreement is months ago
Another interesting tidbit to emerge from Portugal is that Hjulmand was close to leaving Sporting at the beginning of the season.
according to morning mailThe midfielder had the opportunity to move in January, but instead reached an agreement with Sporting's hierarchy to stay for the remainder of the season and leave this summer.
This helps explain why Sporting has appeared relatively quiet during a time of increasing transfer noise around the player.
Now an agreement is said to have been reached to allow Hjulmand to leave for around €40m (£34m), while his official release clause is €80m (£69m).
So it looks increasingly like a transfer route has been quietly prepared for months.
Arsenal and Manchester United both matter
Manchester United's involvement is easy to understand. As we detailed earlier, the club are keen to bring more control and stability to the midfield. And as Casemiro's departure approaches, Morten Hjulmand could be one of the men to do the job.
But Arsenal's position is also logical. The Gunners are taking a close look at midfield options capable of bringing structure and balance.
Plus, there's *that* personal aspect. Hjulmand is an Arsenal fan And there's even a tattoo associated with the club, which has come up again and again Whenever their future is discussed.
However, any discussion will have to wait for at least a week. The midfielder is currently recovering from a foot injury, but is close to a return and could even play against Gil Vicente this weekend.
If that happens, it could turn out to be his final match at Sporting's Estadio do Alvalade.
Sporting will then face Turin in the Portuguese Cup final, with the game being seen in Portugal as a potential farewell opportunity for the captain ahead of his expected summer transfer.
what happens next
appear sporting prepared for his departure. The player already has an unofficial route to transfer. And the battle looks increasingly centered between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester City hasn't completely disappeared from the picture, but the pace of the story has clearly shifted elsewhere.
With the season nearing an end and departure talk growing in Portugal, it is no longer really expected whether Hjulmand will leave or not. Once that is done it ends there.
