Arsenal - Christian Norgaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are on the brink of securing a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, with the experienced midfielder set to undergo a medical ahead of a summer move to the Emirates Stadium.
The 30-year-old is expected to arrive as a direct replacement for Thomas Partey, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the month. Despite Mikel Arteta’s hopes of extending Partey’s stay, the Ghanaian midfielder has opted to pursue a new challenge, leaving a void in the Gunners’ midfield ranks following the earlier departure of Jorginho to Flamengo.
Determined not to be caught short in such a key area, Arsenal have moved swiftly to reinforce. According to BBC Sport, the club is close to agreeing a deal worth an initial £10 million for Norgaard, with a further £5 million potentially due in performance-related add-ons.
While Arsenal had been tracking Sevilla’s Lucien Agoumé, Arteta ultimately pushed for Norgaard, valuing the Denmark international’s Premier League experience over the long-term potential of the 23-year-old Frenchman.
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Arteta reportedly sees Norgaard as a low-risk, ready-made solution to steady Arsenal’s midfield, and his credentials were underlined earlier this year by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank—now Tottenham manager—when the club handed Norgaard a new contract.
Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoumé
Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoumé (Image credit: Getty Images)
“This new contract was a no-brainer for us and Christian,” Frank said at the time. “He is our club captain and one of our most important players. His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch.
“He’s even picked up his goal threat this season. The first time I coached Christian, he was a No.10—now he’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.”
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Norgaard’s leadership, tactical discipline, and ball progression are seen as ideal qualities to support Arsenal’s midfield engine, which will also feature Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard next season.
The Danish international’s arrival will be part of a broader midfield overhaul, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi also expected to be confirmed as a new signing in the coming days. The Spanish midfielder, long admired by Arteta, is set to join in a deal worth around £55 million and is likely to play a key role in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Additionally, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to join the Gunners in a £5 million deal to provide competition for David Raya. Kepa’s arrival follows the departure of Neto, who returned to Bournemouth after his loan spell.
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