Brentford sporting director drops huge transfer hint on Arsenal target

Brentford sporting director Phil Giles has provided an update on Arsenal ’s pursuit of midfielder Christian Norgaard, as the Gunners look to strengthen their midfield options.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is expected to arrive ahead of the new season, but with Thomas Partey departing as a free agent, further reinforcements are required. Norgaard has emerged as a key target to fill the void left by the Ghanaian, though negotiations are ongoing and a deal is yet to be finalised.

Giles, who has been with the west London club for over a decade, suggested the Danish midfielder is more likely than not to join Arsenal - a move he believes Norgaard has earned at the age of 31. Having played in Denmark, Germany, and Italy before joining Brentford in 2019, the midfielder is yet to represent one of Europe’s elite clubs, making a switch to Arsenal a major step up in his career.

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“Arsenal approached us in the last two weeks about Christian,” Giles told Sky Sports on Monday. “We’ve spoken regularly with Andrea Berta.

“As it stands, I think it’s more likely to happen than not, but we have to go through the full process, tick all the boxes, and we’ll see at the end of it. He’s been a fantastic player for us, unbelievable.

"I’m actually happy for him that he has earned the opportunity, at this stage of his career, age 31, to go and have the opportunity to win some trophies. It isn’t done yet but we are aware that, if and when he does depart, we also have a leadership void to fill. We’ll look to cover it.”

Mikel Arteta ’s squad are set to return for pre-season training on Monday, July 15. They’ll begin with a training camp in Spain before heading to the Far East for a pre-season tour, which includes matches against AC Milan, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Arteta will be hoping to havea handful of new signings, including Norgaard, through the door before their departure for Spain. A central defender, along with attacking reinforcements, also remains high on the agenda for Berta and his team this summer.