Arsenal have been handed a fresh opening in the race for Morten Hjulmand after Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed an offer from Atletico Madrid has been rejected.
Atletico had recently emerged as the apparent favourites to sign the Denmark international, with reports in Portugal suggesting Diego Simeone’s side had made progress with the player before opening negotiations with Sporting.
However, the Spanish club remain some distance from completing a deal. According to O Jogo, Varandas has confirmed Sporting rejected Atletico’s proposal because it fell well below the value demanded for their captain.
Sporting reject Atletico Madrid bid for Hjulmand
Speaking after the announcement of the new Portuguese league fixtures, Varandas confirmed Atletico had made an approach but insisted the offer was not close to Sporting’s valuation.
“We received an offer from Atletico Madrid, which we rejected. It’s a long way from the value we want.” — Frederico Varandas
The Sporting president did not clarify whether the proposal arrived during the current transfer window or at an earlier stage. Even so, his comments confirm Atletico have yet to find an agreement with the Portuguese club.
That leaves an opening for Arsenal, who have been repeatedly linked with Hjulmand throughout the year.
Arsenal know how Sporting negotiations work
Varandas also made clear that Sporting have established a firm valuation based on Hjulmand’s age, position and time at the club.
“Both the player and his agents know that value. Anything below it and the player stays.” — Frederico Varandas
Arsenal are in a particularly interesting position because of their recent experience negotiating with Sporting. The Gunners went through a similar process with Viktor Gyökeres last summer and will understand that the Portuguese club are prepared to hold firm when setting a price for a key player.
Hjulmand has also previously been linked with a childhood ambition to play for Arsenal, adding another layer to the Gunners’ long-standing interest.
Key Points
- Sporting have rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid for Morten Hjulmand.
- Frederico Varandas says the bid was well below the club’s valuation.
- Sporting have already communicated their required price to the player and his representatives.
- Arsenal remain linked with the Denmark international.
- Atletico’s early move has not yet put them in control of the transfer.
What’s next?
Atletico may have made the first move, but Sporting’s rejection means the transfer race remains open. Arsenal must now decide whether to turn their reported interest into a formal offer.
Sporting’s position is clear: Hjulmand can leave if the required valuation is met, but the club will not accept a discounted deal. Until Atletico return with an improved proposal, Arsenal still have an opportunity to enter negotiations.
Should Arsenal move quickly for Morten Hjulmand before Atletico Madrid make another bid?
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