Arsenal and Tottenham
Image credit: Getty Images
North London is bracing for a fresh battle, but this time off the pitch as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
According to reports, both clubs have identified the 31-year-old Danish midfielder as a key summer target as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Norgaard, who signed a new two-year deal with Brentford in March, has been a central figure in the club’s rise under former manager Thomas Frank. With Frank now at the helm of Tottenham, speculation is mounting over a possible reunion, given their strong working relationship both at Brentford and within Denmark’s youth national teams. TheEvening Standard reports that Frank is eager to bring his former captain to Spurs, valuing Norgaard’s leadership and deep understanding of his tactical setup.
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However, Arsenal have now entered the fray, viewing Norgaard as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of June. With Partey’s future unresolved and Jorginho having already departed for Flamengo, Mikel Arteta is looking to add experience and stability to a midfield that now includes Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal - Christian Norgaard
Christian Norgaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
CaughtOffside highlights that Norgaard’s 2024/25 campaign, featuring five goals, four assists, and a top-eight ranking in Premier League interceptions has made him a standout candidate for a club seeking immediate impact and defensive resilience in midfield.
Tottenham’s interest is driven by the need for midfield reinforcements, with both Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma entering the final year of their contracts. The Standard suggests Bissouma, who made just 16 league starts last season, could be offloaded, opening a pathway for Norgaard to step in as a consistent and proven performer under a manager he knows well.
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Brentford, however, are expected to put up strong resistance. The club is already preparing for a summer of potential exits, with interest mounting in key players such as Bryan Mbeumo. While Norgaard is under contract, The Daily Mirror reports that Brentford may consider allowing him to leave for a reduced fee should he express a desire to join Arsenal, adding a twist to what could become a tense tug-of-war.
Since arriving from Fiorentina in 2019, Norgaard has played a pivotal role in Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League and their subsequent stability in the top flight. Last season was his most productive yet, with 34 appearances and nine goal contributions.
The outcome of the transfer battle may ultimately hinge on multiple factors, chief among them Arsenal’s stance on Partey’s contract renewal and Tottenham’s ability to leverage Frank’s relationship with Norgaard. Either way, a high-stakes North London showdown appears to be brewing once again, this time in the summer transfer market.
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