Arsenal exploring £10m deal for Brentford's Norgaard

Arsenal are interested in Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard amid uncertainty over Thomas Partey's future.

Sources have indicated that the Gunners are exploring a deal worth an initial £10m, with a possible £5m in performance related add-ons for the 31-year-old Danish international.

Norgaard, who has not been a long-term target for the Gunners, is now on the club's radar as they seek experience in midfield with 32-year-old Partey having so far failed to agree terms over extending his contract.

Ghana midfielder Partey's contract expires next week and if a deal cannot be reached he will leave the club.

Norgaard, whose contract with Brentford expires in 2027, moved to the club in 2019 and became a key player for them under former manager Thomas Frank, who has now taken over at Tottenham.

Arsenal are also set to complete the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this week by paying his £5m release clause and are close to finalising the £51m signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Matthew Hobbs, BBC Sport

The 31-year-old has just completed his sixth successive season at the Gtech Community Stadium, including all four of the Bees' Premier League campaigns.

Since his top-flight debut in 2021, Norgaard has made 201 interceptions – the most of any Premier League player during this period – while he also ranks second overall for recoveries (844) and third for tackles won (189).

Not necessarily renowned for goalscoring, six goals in all competitions in 2024-25 was also the best return of his entire 14-year professional career.