Arsenal ‘complete’ third transfer after Gyokeres agreement and Eze plan | Football | Sport
Arsenal have reportedly completed the signing of Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, who could soon be joined at the Emirates by Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. Norgaard is set to become Mikel Arteta’s third arrival alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners are beginning to intensify their transfer activity this summer after bringing in competition for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya, while Zubimendi has joined from Sociedad for around £51million to reinforce the midfield following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Norgaard will further bolster Arteta’s options in the centre of the pitch after he signs for a relatively modest deal of £10m guaranteed plus £2m in add-ons, according to The Athletic. He has already completed a medical with the Gunners and is expected to be revealed by the club at the end of the week.
Confirmation of the Dane’s move has been delayed because he has been in his homeland with his wife, as she prepares to give birth. But for all intents and purposes, the deal is now finalised, with only the announcement to come.
The 31-year-old has spent the last six seasons with the Bees, having joined them as a Championship club from Fiorentina in 2019 and helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
He became a mainstay at the Gtech Community Stadium, playing a total of 196 times and scoring 13 goals.
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Last season, he scored five goals and provided four assists in the league as Brentford secured a tenth-place finish. His addition will provide Arsenal with much-needed grit in midfield as they aim to challenge Liverpool for the title once more.
This comes as Arsenal are also on the verge of signing Sporting CP striker Gyokeres, with Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options in their bid for the title.
Arsenal are currently in negotiations with Sporting over the prolific forward, who was Europe’s top scorer last season with 54 goals in 52 matches.
The Portuguese club are reportedly demanding around £70m in total for the player, with transfer chief Andrea Berta flying out to Portugal to finalise the deal.
Arsenal have agreed a deal with Gyokeres for a five-year contract worth approximately £200,000 per week.
In addition to the Swedish star, Arteta is also pursuing deals for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Real Madrid star Rodrygo, while Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze is also on their radar.
The Gunners are trying to get around Eze’s £60m release clause by paying it in three £20m instalments, to stay within their transfer budget.