Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the wealth of clubs scouting US Lecce captain Morten Hjulmand in view of his transfer. Even though the midfielder is a self-professed Arsenal fan.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports that Spurs have sent their talent spotters to watch Hjulmand on several occasions. The 23-year-old is captivating teams from around Europe with his performances in Serie A. It is also his first campaign in the Italian top-flight.
Hjulmand helped Lecce to secure promotion from Serie B as champions last season. Marco Baroni has since started the Kastrup, Denmark native in all 21 of his top-flight appearances so far this season. He has also provided four assists but has seen two red cards this term.
Tottenham are far from alone with an interest in a transfer for Lecce ace Hjulmand
Tottenham are far from alone in admiring Hjulmand, whom Brentford star and compatriot Mikkel Damsgaard calls ‘absolutely fantastic’, though. Calciomercato also notes that Lecce turned down a €13m (£11.5m) bid from Southampton this January as they refused to sell.
Now, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham feature among the clubs scouting Hjulmand with an eye on a transfer with Lecce. While Roma and Napoli have already contacted the Apulia region outfit to discuss his situation. But they could face yet further rival bids this summer.
Lecce sought to focus on securing their Serie A status for another season before studying a bid for Hjulmand. Now, Corriere dello Sport also reports that the Stadio Via del Mare outfit are pondering lowering their €20m (£17.5m) valuation. His contract only runs to June 2024.
Baroni’s side sit 13th in the Serie A standings through 23 games with 27 points. They have claimed six wins and nine draws since entering the Italian top-flight as Serie B champions. Lecce further sit 10 points clear of the drop zone with Hjulmand the club’s absolute leader.
Spurs may face another hurdle with Hjulmand a self-professed Arsenal supporter
I Giallorossi have an option to extend his terms to 2025 but may look to cash in with Roma also very interested. While Rudy Galetti listed Leeds United, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest as further suitors in January, as well. So, the race could be well fought this summer.
Tottenham have a further hurdle to overcome to secure Hjulmand’s transfer from Lecce in the next window. The box-to-box Denmark midfielder is a self-professed Arsenal fan and is in awe of the successes Mikel Arteta has enjoyed since taking charge at Emirates Stadium.
He told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “I’m crazy about the Premier League. I’m a fan of Arsenal. Arteta has changed everything in two years – the mentality, now they play very well.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
