Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard could reportedly be on the move during the ongoing January transfer window, having only arrived in the summer from Brentford.
Norgaard, 31, has made just 11 appearances across competitions this season - starting six times - contributing an assist. That lone goal contribution came in the 4-1 FA Cup opening-round win at Portsmouth earlier this month.
Although the Denmark international is contracted to the Emirates till the summer of 2027, Norgaard has attracted interest from Ajax (as per De Telegraaf via GOAL). The Eredivisie giants are on the lookout for an experienced presence in defensive midfield, with director of football Marijn Beuker scouring the continent for reinforcements.
However, it remains to be seen whether Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sanctions Norgaard's departure, having only signed the Dane six months earlier. However, with Norgaard playing just thrice in the Premier League - making no starts - the prospect of regular football in the Eredivisie could be tough to turn down for the player.
Apart from Norgaard, Ajax are also said to be considering Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, 32, and Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte, 24, as potential options in the centre of the park. Moreover, a loan deal for Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey could also be discussed, with sporting director Beuker currently in Istanbul to catch Fenerbahce in action with Villa.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have had a solid start to the season, alive in four different competitions as they seek an elusive quadruple. The Premier League leaders also lead the UEFA Champions League standings.
Coming off a 3-1 win at Inter Milan in midweek in the Champions League, booking their spot in the knockouts, Mikel Arteta's side return to domestic duty, where they face Manchester United on Sunday (January 25) in the league.
Following that, the Gunners will look to end their Champions League league phase campaign with a perfect 8-0 record when they host Kairat three days later. After a Premier League trip to promoted Leeds United on January 31 to close the month, they host Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg, leading 3-2 on aggregate.