Tottenham didn’t appeal to one of Arsenal’s summer signings, reports have revealed.
Andrea Berta wasted no time improving Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer, signing six players before August came around.
The Gunners have the striker they so desperately needed on board, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres as well as signing competition on the wings in the form of Noni Madueke.
Madueke will challenge for a starting spot, making his arrival one of the most exciting; however, it’s not just the higher-calibre acquisitions that are generating attention.
Christian Norgaard snubbed Tottenham to join Arsenal
What made the difference last season, and what will make the difference over the coming campaign, is Arsenal’s squad depth.
The signings of Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arizabalaga and Christian Norgaard represent arrivals that add quality to the depth of Arteta’s squad.
Norgaard has made an impressive start to life at Arsenal, arriving from Brentford with a vast amount of Premier League experience under his belt.
Signing the former Brentford captain could prove to be a triumph for Arteta, even more so given how different things could’ve been.
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According to The Athletic, Thomas Frank was eager to sign Norgaard at Tottenham, but he was denied the chance due to the player’s preference.
The midfielder instead ‘chose Arsenal’, snubbing the Gunners’ North London neighbours in favour of joining Arteta’s project.
It was a particularly bold move from Norgaard, who had spent the majority of his professional career working alongside Frank.
Spurs have signed former Arsenal target Joao Palhinha
Frank admitted he felt emotional facing Norgaard when Arsenal and Spurs met in pre-season.
The Gunners won the race to sign Norgaard, but their rivals were able to recover from the transfer snub, ironically signing one of Arsenal’s targets.
Arsenal were interested in Joao Palhinha but opted to sign Norgaard instead, paving the way for the Bayern Munich midfielder to join Spurs on an initial loan.
Despite the form that the Portugal international showed at Fulham, there will be no complaints from Arsenal, who were advised not to sign Palhinha due to not needing the 30-year-old.
Having signed Martin Zubimendi to partner Declan Rice, Norgaard arrived as back-up, with no room in the squad for profiles such as Palhinha’s.