Atletico Madrid move ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City in Morten Hjulmand race

Atletico Madrid have taken a significant step towards signing Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand after opening formal negotiations with the Portuguese club, leaving Arsenal and Manchester City trailing in the race for one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders.

The Denmark international has been linked with several Premier League clubs throughout the summer, but reports from Portugal suggest Atletico have now progressed beyond discussions with the player and begun club-to-club talks.

According to A Bola, Atletico Madrid have officially approached Sporting to begin negotiations over a transfer after already reaching a verbal agreement with Hjulmand on a five-year contract.

The report states that the personal agreement was finalised earlier this week during a meeting between the midfielder's representative, Ivan Marko Benes, and Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany.

With personal terms now reportedly settled, the focus has shifted entirely to agreeing a transfer fee with Sporting.

Unlike several high-profile transfer sagas involving Sporting in recent years, Hjulmand is said to have maintained complete transparency with his current club.

As captain, the 27-year-old reportedly kept Sporting's hierarchy informed whenever interest emerged from rival clubs, updating them on discussions as they developed.

According to the Portuguese report, Atletico also delayed making a formal approach until they were satisfied Sporting were fully aware of the situation, avoiding any suggestion they had negotiated behind the club's back.

That approach contrasts with the difficult circumstances surrounding Viktor Gyökeres' eventual departure and has helped maintain positive relations between all parties.

Although Hjulmand's release clause stands at €80 million, Sporting are expected to honour a gentleman's agreement that could allow him to leave for between €40 million and €50 million.

However, Atletico are unlikely to secure the midfielder without further negotiation.

Sporting are reportedly aiming to increase the overall package towards €60 million, while Atletico believe a deal worth around €45 million, including bonuses, could be enough to complete the transfer.

That leaves a relatively manageable gap between the two clubs as negotiations continue.

Sporting have consistently negotiated strongly when selling key players. Even when informal agreements exist, the club have regularly sought to maximise the final transfer package before sanctioning departures.

For Arsenal and Manchester City, Atletico's progress represents a setback.

Both Premier League clubs have monitored Hjulmand for several months and remain admirers of the Danish international's leadership, defensive intelligence and passing range.

However, neither club has yet matched Atletico's progress, with the Spanish side now the only team understood to have agreed personal terms and opened formal talks with Sporting.

That does not completely eliminate Arsenal or Manchester City from the race, but they now appear to be reacting rather than leading.

However, the transfer window remains open, and either Premier League side could still intervene should negotiations between Atletico and Sporting stall over the final fee.

Negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Sporting are expected to continue over the coming days as both clubs attempt to bridge the gap in valuation.

Arsenal and Manchester City will continue monitoring developments, but unless either club decides to submit a formal offer, Atletico remain firmly in pole position to complete the signing of the Sporting captain before the new season begins.

Should Arsenal or Manchester City make a late move for Morten Hjulmand, or is Atletico Madrid now too far ahead in the race?