Mikel Arteta could frustrate Gabriel Martinelli with two transfer moves this summer.
Arsenal are working to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid as Andrea Berta targets improvements in the wide attacking areas.
However, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Arsenal No.11 might not appreciate having his spot taken by the Real Madrid No.11 – who he is expected to compete against for a place in the team under Carlo Ancelotti.
Now, Arsenal are trying to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford – who was involved in a high profile spat with Gabriel Martinelli last season.
What Gabriel Martinelli said about Christian Norgaard in April
Fabrizio Romano now states that Arsenal have bid £9m for Norgaard and he wants to join as Berta aims to find a replacement for Thomas Partey – who looks set to leave – and also Jorginho, who has moved to Flamengo.
If an agreement materialises, Martinelli could be annoyed.
The Denmark international angered the Brazil international back in April after a dangerous challenge from behind, which the South American claimed could have broken his leg.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 24-year-old said: “I (have not yet seen it) again but in the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg.
“He (Norgaard) said he didn’t mean it. I believe him but still, he could have broke my leg. For me it was red. I need to see it again to be sure, but for me it was nasty.”
"He could have broke my leg!"
Gabriel Martinelli believes Christian Nørgaard should have been sent off for that tackle 🟥 pic.twitter.com/BxvjWtZIgm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2025
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Arteta was also furious with the challenge from the Brentford No.6 – but refused to be drawn into a war of words, simply telling Sky Sports: “My reaction says everything.”
Thomas Frank – now of Tottenham – added at the time: “That’s his opinion (Martinelli). I thought it was a strong yellow.”
Christian Norgaard apologised to Gabriel Martinelli
The Brentford No.6 was at least very apologetic towards Martinelli, and also complimented Arsenal when disclosing that he had buried the hatchet with the Brazilian.
Norgaard told the Evening Standard: “He accepted my apology and shook my hand. He thought the tackle was maybe harder than I did, but he was fine… he said it’s part of football, you try and make these tackles to stop transitions and there was no evil intention in the challenge.
“Looking back at it, maybe it was a bit harder than I wanted it to be, but I would never set out to hurt a player intentionally.”
Discussing Arsenal, the 31-year-old added: “This is a tough place to come. The biggest club in the world came here the other night (Real Madrid) and got nothing, so to take a point when they (Arsenal) still had something to play for is a very good result.”