Arteta is set to get another new signingplaceholder image
Arteta is set to get another new signing | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal are expected to wrap up a deal for another midfielder in the near future.
Arsenal are expected to wrap up another transfer in the next 48 hours. The Gunners are really stepping things up at this point in the transfer window as they prepare for the start of pre-season.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have been hard at work on new signings, and two have already been procured, with Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga already snapped up. But the work continues with other areas still to improve before the start of the new season.
Arsenal are still expected to sign a striker and a winger, while they will also sign a new centre-back and a centre-midfielder. Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s departures mean two midfielder signings are necessary in the middle, and with one already wrapped up, Arsenal are now said to be pushing to wrap up their second midfielder deal.
Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard is said to be the next likely departure as Andrea Berta jets off in a bid to wrap up a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. Norgaard will add key depth to for Arteta, and at a bargain price, too, with a reported deal worth £15million including add-ons struck with Brentford.
That deal was struck swiftly, and after a week or so of waiting, it looks as though the deal will be wrapped up soon. Ben Jacobs has posted on X: “Christian Norgaard is expected to complete his move to Arsenal within the next 48 hours. £10m+£5m fee.”
Brentford chief Phil Giles has been open about having negotiations with Arsenal. He said at the end of June when speaking to Sky Sports: "Arsenal approached us in the last two weeks about Christian regularly with Andrea Berta. I think it's fair to say it's more likely to happen than not. We have to go through the full process, tick all the boxes and then we'll see at the end of it.
"He's been a fantastic player [for] us, unbelievable. I'm actually happy for him with the opportunity at this stage, 31, at this stage of his career, to have an opportunity to go and try to win some trophies. It isn't done yet, but we're aware that if and when he does depart, we have a leadership void to try and fill. Also thinking about Ben Mee, who also left this summer, and Mark Flekken, who's an experienced goalkeeper. We're aware of the squad and the blend of experiences we have in the squad, and we'll look to cover it."
Frank praise
New Tottenham and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank spoke highly of Norgaard during his time at Brentford. He said in early spring: “Christian has been an integral part of the fantastic journey we have been on these past six years. 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. And he has picked up his goal threat this season! The first time I coached Christian, he was a No.10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. I’m very happy. Hopefully we can continue to be successful together with Christian leading the team.”
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