Sporting director CONFIRMS Arsenal signing

Brentford sporting director Phil Giles has confirmed that Christian Norgaard is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The Denmark international has emerged as a key target for the Gunners over the past week after it became clear that Thomas Partey would not extend his expiring contract.

Partey’s deal concludes today, 30 June, with the Ghana star the second veteran midfielder to leave Arsenal on a free transfer this summer. Jorginho linked up with Flamengo ahead of the Club World Cup at the start of the month.

This has left Arsenal with two holes to plug. In addition to Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal will also bring in Norgaard, having managed to agree a deal with Brentford for the 31-year-old last week.

Norgaard is Premier League-proven and will cost the North London club less than €20 million, making him a shrewd addition. His signing is expected to be announced by the club imminently.

Brentford director confirms Norgaard deal

Although the deal has yet to be officially confirmed, Brentford director Phil Giles has now effectively admitted that Norgaard’s move to Arsenal is inevitable.

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

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