Arsenal have made an initial bid for a defensive midfielder who was rumoured to be on Tottenham Hotspur’s shortlist. The Gunners are looking for a replacement for Thomas Partey, who is likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.
Arsenal Make Christian Norgaard Bid
Gunners Beat Spurs to Make Norgaard Offer
Arsenal have submitted a bid of around £9.3 million for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, according to David Orstein of the Athletic.
The Brentford captain currently has two years left on his contract, having been at the club for the past six years, joining from Fiorentina.
Sam Tabuteau from the Standard has suggested that Norgaard wants to play Champions League football and favours a move to Arsenal.
This will come as a blow for Thomas Frank, who had high praise for Norgaard and was keen on being reunited with his former captain.
He previously described Norgaard as a “late bloomer” and had lots of positive things to say when his contract was renewed in April this year.
Frank said: “A big reason why we have done okay is our culture, and Nørgaard is a big driver of that, on and off the pitch. At a club, there will always be transition of players in and out but it’s also important to have some stability.
“He’s also performed very well, maybe this season is his best so far.
“Sometimes, you don’t see it or recognise it as much when you are a holding midfielder, but he is so important in terms of breaking up play, interceptions and playing forward when you win the ball back.”
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Partey Still Yet to Sign New Arsenal Deal
Having already lost Jorginho, Arsenal may also see Partey depart in this summer.
The Ghanaian is set to leave on a free if he cannot agree a new deal with the Gunners. It is understood that Arsenal offered a salary reduction for Partey, but with less than a week to go, Norgaard is one of the options for replacing Partey.
Partey recently spoke to the press about his next career move. He cited family as an important factor for his next step.
He said: “We are not getting younger. There are a lot of things where you have to look now with a family, where you want them to be happy. When you are young you just play anywhere.
“I’m an Arsenal fan, I can’t decide anything and just have to leave it to my agent and the club. Me, I just want to enjoy football.”
Arsenal’s move for Martin Zubimendi is “virtually complete” and will help bolster the midfield. But with Partey set to leave, the Gunners will no doubt be exploring their options, which includes Christian Norgaard.