Slowly and then all at once might be one way to describe Arsenal's transfer window so far.
For weeks and weeks, it felt like very little was happening at the Emirates, but now Martin Zubimendi's transfer is reportedly wrapped up, as is Kepa Arrizabalaga's, and there have been reports of progress being made towards both Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres.
It's not just incomings either, as Fabrizio Romano broke the news yesterday afternoon that Thomas Partey is now "set to leave" this month.
mikel-arteta-arsenal-premier-league
As if that wasn't enough, yesterday also saw news come out linking Arsenal to Christian Nørgaard as a potential replacement, but if other reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta could be looking to sign another midfielder who'd be even better than the Brentford star.
Arsenal target Nørgaard upgrade
While it's been known for a few days now that the contract talks with Partey were not advancing and that there was, therefore, a real chance the Ghanaian could leave this summer, there were no murmurings that Nørgaard was being looked at as a potential signing.
In fact, the report from Danish journalist Mads Glenn Wehlast on Wednesday morning was the first time most people had any idea the club were even supposedly interested in the 31-year-old.
The report claims that the Gunners have already submitted an offer worth around €11m in total, which is about £9m.
christian-norgaard-brentford-premier-league
While that could end up being a good deal, there is still another midfielder the club are interested in, someone who'd be a better signing: Lucien Agoume.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are still very much interested in the Sevilla star, who has been the subject of talks.
A price for the young Frenchman is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claim that he could be available for just £20m, although he is also a target for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
It might not be a big-name signing, but based on the ability Agoume has already shown, and the potential so many believe him to possess, it's one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he would be a better addition to the squad than Nørgaard.
How Agoume compares to Nørgaard
So, if it ends up being a choice between signing Agoume and Nørgaard in the coming weeks, why should Arsenal opt for the former?
lucien-agoume-sevilla
Well, the first argument, and its significant one, is the statistical one, as when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers, it becomes clear that the Sevilla star, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "10 out of 10 talent," is the more well-rounded midfielder.
The Dane might do marginally better in a few metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists and passing accuracy per 90, but he comes out a clear second-best in most other statistics that are relevant for a number six.
Agoumé vs Nørgaard
Statistics per 90
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Passing Accuracy
Key Passes
Passes into the Final Third
Shot-Creating Actions
Goal-Creating Actions
Tackles
Blocks
Interceptions
Errors Leading to a Shot
Successful take-ons
Aerial Duels Won
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
For example, the former Inter Milan gem comes out looking far better in things like progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot-creating actions and, most crucially, tackles, interceptions and aerial duels won per 90.
This suggests that not only does he have the Bees ace beat in plenty of attacking areas, but he'd also be able to better provide cover for the back four, and the fact he's so good at winning balls in the air will be like music to Arteta's ears.
lucien-agoume-sevilla-la-liga
Finally, there is another number that matters here: his age.
At 22 years old, the Yaoundé-born maestro has plenty of time to continue developing, and if he does do that, then the Gunners would have a serious midfielder on their hands down the line, whereas at 31, the Brentford star is only going to regress over time.
Moreover, if Zubimendi is going to be the starting six anyway, surely it makes sense to bring in a promising understudy to cover for him, someone who could seriously rival him for game time in a few years.
Ultimately, while Nørgaard wouldn't be a bad signing by any means, Agoume just looks like the far better option, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing what they can to get him this summer.
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