Arsenal's transfer business so far hasn't won universal approval from every critic, with talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor now slamming a "very odd" decision by new sporting director Andrea Berta, manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners' recruitment team.
It's been a fairly productive first month of the window for Arsenal.
Arsenal - Emirates Stadium Related
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The Gunners are poised to complete another deal.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi recently finalised his long-awaited move to the Emirates Stadium, flying to London last week as he put the finishing touches on his £56 million move to the Premier League.
After Zubimendi, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga swiftly followed his Spanish compatriot, with the Stamford Bridge outcast set to join Arteta's side in a £5 million move.
Most recently, though, Arsenal agreed a deal to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as a direct replacement for veteran midfielder Thomas Partey - who's set to leave N5 after his contract expires on June 30.
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The 31-year-old has been a vital cog in Brentford's system for years, and his proven Premier League experience is a major attraction which perhaps gave Norgaard the edge over fellow reported targets like Sevilla's Lucien Agoume, who was also reportedly considered by the club.
Arsenal are set to sign Norgaard after swiftly reaching an agreement with Brentford, as reported by multiple reliable news outlets, but this call has now been questioned by Agbonlahor.
Gabriel Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Christian Norgaard deal
Speaking to talkSPORT, the pundit called their deal for Norgaard a "very odd" one, going on to claim Arsenal are shopping at "Asda" while rivals Man City and Liverpool shoot a bit more upmarket.
“He’s an OK player. I get it for value, he’s a decent player, but you’re losing Thomas Partey," said the ex-Aston Villa striker.
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“It just seems a bit odd. Arsenal haven’t been able to agree a contract with Partey, that’s what’s happening, so say it’s over money. You’re paying £9milion for Norgaard - just give it to Partey as the difference in wages he’s asking for.
“Why not just give it to him? You know what he can do. It’s very odd. Arsenal don’t seem to be shopping in the top shops like Manchester City and Liverpool. They're shopping at Waitrose, Arsenal are at Asda.
“I get it, Jorginho’s gone, and you need cover, but I’m sure Arsenal fans are looking at Liverpool spending £116m on Florian Wirtz and the money Man City are spending and thinking, ‘Come on, we don’t mind Norgaard coming in, but we need a top striker’.”
The actual fee for Norgaard could reach up to £15 million if performance-related odd-ons are achieved, so this transfer could turn out to be even more expensive from Arsenal's point of view.
Nevertheless, it's hard to envisage the Dane playing week-in, week-out given Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice's presence in midfield. Norgaard could still work wonders as a utility player in Arteta's squad, and may have been an even deeper issue regarding the club's failed new contract talks with Partey.