Atletico Madrid are optimistic about completing the signing of Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, even though Chelsea have tabled a lucrative bid to tempt him to Stamford Bridge.
The Denmark international has attracted interest from several leading European clubs, with Ruben Amorim previously eager to bring him to Manchester United during his spell at Old Trafford.
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Manchester City and Arsenal have also kept tabs on the midfielder throughout the summer, while Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield options after last season’s Premier League title triumph, with attention now turning to Bruno Guimaraes.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, who previously worked at Sporting, is also believed to be a long-time admirer of the Danish midfielder.
However, Atletico have stepped up their pursuit of the 27-year-old, with Cadena Ser reporting that they have reached an agreement worth €40million (£34m) to secure his signature.
Watch Morten Hjulmand highlights below
OFICIALIDAD INMINENTE
Morten Hjulmand está a un paso de ser nuevo futbolista del @Atleti.
40 M + 5 en variables.
El Danés es un mediocentro defensivo moderno que destaca por:
🛡️ su inteligencia táctica
💪 elevada capacidad física
🎯 Primer pase y salida limpia de balón… pic.twitter.com/v0loVaTIcc
— Banda Neptuno🔴⚪ (@BandaNeptuno) July 9, 2026
Negotiations between the clubs and the player have gathered pace in recent hours, with growing confidence that the transfer will soon be finalised.
That progress comes despite Chelsea making a late attempt to hijack the move. The report claims the Premier League side recently approached Hjulmand and presented him with a *‘higher financial offer’* than Atletico in an effort to convince him to move to west London.
Despite Chelsea’s improved proposal, Hjulmand remains determined to join Atletico.
The Spanish club are also confident there will be no major obstacles in completing the transfer.
Chelsea have already suffered disappointment in their pursuit of another midfielder after failing to land Granit Xhaka, who previously played under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Blues wanted to add the former Arsenal skipper’s experience to their youthful squad, but their £8m bid was immediately turned down by Sunderland.
Chelsea’s interest ended after the Black Cats made it clear the Switzerland international was not available for transfer, with Xhaka later reaffirming his desire to remain at the club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are close to parting ways with one of their current midfielders after accepting a £50million bid from Manchester United for Andrey Santos.
United have acted swiftly to complete the signing of the Brazil international, who is expected to begin his medical ahead of the transfer today.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg before returning to Stamford Bridge for his first full campaign with Chelsea last season.
Competing alongside Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, he made 25 starts in all competitions, with only 13 of those coming in the Premier League.
