Arsenal are on the verge of signing Christian Norgaard from Brentford with the midfielder set to undergo a medical.
With Thomas Partey set to depart upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month, the Gunners have moved swiftly to replace their most experienced central midfielder.
Mikel Arteta had been hopeful of persuading the Ghana international to sign a new deal, especially in light of Jorginho’s move to Flamengo, but the 31-year-old is keen to seek a new challenge.
Arsenal have reacted quickly and are close to agreeing a fee for Norgaard worth in the region of an initial £10m, with a possible £5m in performance-related add-ons.
Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume had been firmly on Arsenal’s radar but, according to BBC Sport, Arteta pushed for the signing of Norgaard.
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The Arsenal manager wanted a player who was Premier League ready to fill the void created by the exits of Jorginho and Partey, rather than gamble on the potential of a 23-year-old.
In terms of what Arsenal can expect from Norgaard, the tribute paid by Thomas Frank, now manager of Tottenham, to his former player after he signed a new deal earlier this year gives a noteworthy indication of his talents.
‘This new contract was a no-brainer for us and Christian,’ said Frank at the time.
‘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.’
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to confirm the signings of Kepa Arizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi in the coming days.
The Chelsea goalkeeper will cost £5m and he will provide competition for the club’s current No.1 David Raya.
A deal for Zubimendi, meanwhile, has been in the pipeline since January and the Spain international will likely form part of Arsenal’s first choice midfield next season alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
