6 recoveries/game: Arsenal can now sign 26yo midfielder for £35m, should replace Norgaard

Arsenal have been handed a big boost in signing Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners have been fancied to reinforce their midfield department this summer and have already been linked with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

The club have also been credited with an interest in Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand in the past, and they now have the opportunity to land him for a knockdown price during the summer.

The Dane has a release clause worth £70 million in his contract at the Portuguese champions, but O Jogo (page 11) claim that he is ‘expected to leave’ for around £35m when the season ends.

Arsenal should sign Hjulmand to replace Norgaard

Juventus were interested in landing Hjulmand last summer, but the Dane stayed committed to Sporting CP for the 2025/26 season after snubbing three times his current salary.

Viktor Gyokeres reportedly had a gentleman’s agreement to leave last year. Hjulmand could likewise be permitted to depart the Primeira Liga giants in the next transfer window.

In our view, the Gunners should consider Hjulmand as a replacement for Christian Norgaard, who has yet to start a Premier League match since his move from Brentford last summer.

Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice have had heavy workloads in the centre of the park this campaign, and there has been an extra burden with Mikel Merino out with a long-term injury.

Despite this, Norgaard has played just 56 minutes of Premier League football this term. It clearly suggests that manager Mikel Arteta does not trust the Dane enough as a substitute.

His compatriot Hjulmand, on the other hand, would be a perfect acquisition. He would provide fierce competition to Zubimendi with his strong distribution and duel-winning skills.

Hjulmand has completed 91 percent of his passes in the Primeira Liga this season. He has won 67 percent of his duels, while registering two tackles per appearance. He has also made six recoveries per outing and exhibited a tireless work rate with regular high pressing.

His stats in the Champions League are quite similar. In fact, the 26-year-old has fared better with a pass completion rate of 93 percent. Hjulmand has proved his credentials on the big European stage.

There will be plenty of competition for his services this summer. However, Arsenal should have an upper hand, as he has publicly admitted his love for the Gunners and sports the club’s tattoo on his arm.

The only hurdle could be the playing time. Hjulmand may need to accept a rotational role at Arsenal. If the midfielder wants a guaranteed starting role, he may end up joining another top European outfit.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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