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Manchester United eye Chelsea midfielder, Arsenal handed Morten Hjulmand transfer boost - Paper Round
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Updated 06/07/2026 at 09:08 GMT+1
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Manchester United are in the early stages of exploring a move for Chelsea's Brazilian central midfield player Andrey Santos to help refresh their options in the middle of the pitch, according to reports.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick applauds the fans during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026.
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Santos to Man Utd?
The 22-year-old Brazilian has struggled to break past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge - especially following Caicedo's recent seven-year contract extension - restricting him to just 13 Premier League starts last term.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the midfielder, whom Chelsea value at around £50 million, though United are highly unlikely to meet that steep valuation.
The Daily Mail reports: ”Manchester United are exploring a move for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos as they continue to weigh up a number of potential midfield targets.
”It’s understood that United’s interest is in its early stages and there has been no contact between the two clubs.
”But United are aware that Santos might be available after falling behind Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, particularly after Caicedo signed a new seven-year contract in April.
”Newcastle are understood to be among the other clubs interested in the 22-year-old Brazilian who has had loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg since signing for Chelsea from Vasco da Gama for £18 million three years ago.
”Chelsea are believed to value him at around £50 million, although it’s unlikely United would be willing to pay that much.”
Arsenal handed boost in Hjulmand pursuit
Mikel Arteta's search for midfield reinforcements has led Arsenal to Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand, with their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes proving difficult.
The club have been handed a clear run to pounce after Sporting president Frederico Varandas confirmed they flatly rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid that fell well short of their valuation.
The Mirror states: ”Arsenal may soon have the opportunity to sign Sporting Lisbon skipper Morten Hjulmand.
”The Sporting ace is a man in demand after his club recently rejected an offer from Atletico Madrid.
”The midfielder has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, but with the Gunners' pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes looking difficult, he is now believed to be on Arsenal's list.
”Mikel Arteta's side are looking to bolster their midfield to support the likes of Declan Rice.
”It had been reported that Diego Simeone's outfit were nearing his acquisition after a deal had been struck.
”Nevertheless, Sporting president Frederico Varandas states they have dismissed an approach from the La Liga club, which creates an opening for Arsenal to pounce.”
Klopp targets Lijnders reunion for Germany role
Jurgen Klopp is already working on his backroom staff before his expected appointment as the new head coach of the German national team following Julian Nagelsmann's departure.
Klopp intends to recruit his trusted former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, who recently spent a season at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
The Telegraph explains: ”Jurgen Klopp will seek to appoint his former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders when, as expected, he takes over as the new manager of Germany.
"Lijnders is regarded as a talented coach who was appointed by Manchester City for Pep Guardiola’s final season and is best known as being Klopp’s Liverpool No. 2 over two spells in what were golden years for the club.”
Chelsea wonderkid Nicoll-Jazuli signs scholarship deal
Stamford Bridge chiefs have secured the long-term future of highly-rated midfielder Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.
The 16-year-old talent has already trained with the senior squad and knocked back substantial interest from top European sides to agree a scholarship deal, which will automatically convert into a professional contract when he turns 17 in January.
The Athletic reports: ”Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, one of Chelsea’s biggest emerging talents, has committed his future to the club by signing scholarship terms.
"It is anticipated the 16-year-old will move to a professional contract upon turning 17 in January 2027.
"The central midfielder, who has already trained with the Chelsea first team, turned down several leading European clubs in favour of continuing his development at Stamford Bridge.”
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