Arsenal's Hjulmand Target Slips Away—Focus Shifts to Guimaraes
Arsenal’s midfield rebuild has hit its first snag. Morten Hjulmand, long admired in North London and a self-confessed boyhood Gunners fan, is heading somewhere else.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly struck a £38million agreement with Sporting CP for the Denmark international, with Diego Simeone moving quickly to close a deal that had been simmering for weeks. The 27-year-old is expected in the Spanish capital on Thursday to complete a five-year contract, according to Fabrizio Romano and Ruben Aria.
For Arsenal, it is a door closing just as another one creaks open.
Hjulmand picks Simeone over boyhood dream
Arsenal had been repeatedly linked with Hjulmand and were understood to be monitoring the situation closely, especially after Atletico saw an initial bid rejected by Sporting. There was a sense that the Premier League champions could pounce if negotiations dragged or the Lisbon club dug in.
That opportunity never truly arrived. Reports in Spain and Portugal suggest Sporting had promised Hjulmand they would sanction a move if the “right offer” landed. Atletico eventually hit that mark, and the player’s determination to join Simeone’s project is said to have been decisive as paperwork now moves between the clubs.
For Arsenal, Hjulmand now shifts from primary target to missed opportunity, forcing a recalibration of their midfield shortlist at a time when the market is moving quickly.
Guimaraes pushes for Arsenal move
Attention, though, is already turning north – to Tyneside, and to Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian has informed Newcastle United that he wants to leave this summer, with The Guardian reporting that Arsenal are ready to accelerate their interest after holding talks with his representatives last month. Guimaraes is understood to be keen on a move to London and specifically to the Emirates, seeing Arsenal as the next step in his career.
His desire to go comes on the back of a bruising end to his season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were dumped out in the last 16 by Norway, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to send the dark horses through and leave Guimaraes “licking his wounds.”
Back at club level, his potential exit would continue a worrying pattern for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have already departed at the end of the season, following Alexander Isak’s big-money move to Liverpool a year earlier. Guimaraes, their captain and heartbeat, would be the most painful departure yet.
Arsenal are said to be preparing a bid in the region of £60million. Newcastle, bruised by recent high-profile exits and under pressure to hold on to their remaining stars, are reluctant sellers. This is not a straightforward raid on a weakened club; it is a test of resolve on both sides.
Midfield urgency grows around Rice
What is clear is that midfield sits at the top of Arsenal’s agenda. Questions around Declan Rice’s long-term fitness have sharpened the need for depth and variety in the centre of the pitch. The club cannot afford to be one injury away from a structural problem in a season where margins will again be razor-thin.
Alongside Guimaraes, Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi and Alex Scott have been mentioned as alternative options. Christian Norgaard’s future adds another layer of intrigue, with his situation also being watched as Arsenal weigh profiles, prices and availability.
Hjulmand’s move to Atletico removes one neat solution. Guimaraes, with his blend of aggression, passing range and Premier League experience, now looks like the statement answer – if Newcastle can be persuaded to part with him.
Attack targets come with heavy price tags
The rebuild is not limited to midfield. Arsenal’s recruitment team are also working on the front line, hunting for more firepower to complement an already potent attack.
Morgan Rogers has emerged as the number one attacking target, according to The Guardian. His form and versatility have put him at the top of Arsenal’s list, but Aston Villa are said to be demanding in excess of £100million for the England international – a figure that would test even a champion’s budget.
Julian Alvarez is another name under consideration. The Manchester City forward offers relentless movement, pressing and end-product, but he comes with his own complications: a similarly steep price and strong interest from Barcelona, who see him as a long-term solution in their own rebuild.
Every option is expensive. Every negotiation is complex. Arsenal, though, are operating from a position of strength – Premier League champions, Champions League contenders, and an increasingly attractive destination for elite players.
Hjulmand will walk out at the Metropolitano, not the Emirates. That battle is lost. The real question now: can Arsenal land the calibre of midfielder and forward they clearly want, and need, to stay on top of English football?
