David Ornstein: Medical now being planned as Arsenal close in on new signing
Arsenal are planning a medical for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard as they close in on signing him following talks with their London rivals, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Gunners are in the process of finalising an agreement with the Bees to bring the 31-year-old Denmark international to the Emirates Stadium club after bidding £9.3 million for him.
Negotiations are ongoing between Arsenal and Norgaard over his contract length, and there is a belief that an agreement will soon be struck between both clubs.
The North Londoners want midfield reinforcement following the release of Jorginho and with Thomas Partey also expected to depart as the club have not reached an agreement with him.
The Brentford star has two years remaining on his contract with the Bees but will be available for a decent fee and will bring much-needed experience and quality to the Arsenal midfield.
Norgaard has played 122 Premier League games over the last four seasons, weighing in with 11 goals and 13 assists, and he will fancy his chances of impressing in the Gunners midfield.
Some of the strengths of the Danish midfielder include ball interception, winning aerial duels and blocking the ball, and he will be adding depth to the team as manager Mikel Arteta looks to go one better in the Premier League title race next term.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also set to join Arsenal, and Arteta will have him, Norgaard and Mikel Merino as options in the defensive midfield role.
Myles Lewis-Skelly can also play in the position and having such a squad depth will come in handy for the Gunners as they challenge in four competitions next term.
They are also closing in on a goalkeeper, with Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga set to arrive to provide cover for David Raya, but the fans are crying out for a new number 9 and sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.
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