Arsenal identify Thomas Partey transfer replacement as Andrea Berta lodges £9.3m bid

Arsenal have made an official offer to Brentford for their captain Christian Norgaard.

The Denmark international has been tracked by the Gunnersfor at least two years, football.london understands, and Mikel Arteta sees the 31-year-old as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey. The Ghana international is set to leave the Gunners next week, with his deal expiring on June 30.

football.london understands Arsenal want to sign an experienced player to come in should Partey leave the club. That's in addition to Martin Zubimendi, who is set to join the north Londoners in the coming weeks, with just a medical left to complete.

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According to The Athletic, Arsenal have made a bid worth €11million (£9.3million) for Norgaard, with Brentford yet to respond to the offer. Norgaard signed a new contract with the Bees in March, keeping him at the club until 2027. The midfielder is thought to be "keen" on moving to Emirates Stadium, reports David Ornstein.

Norgaard has impressed for Brentford since signing for the club in May 2019. The 31-year-old signed from Fiorentina but really earned his reputation at Brondby, where he also played under Thomas Frank.

Known for his strong tackling and tactical awareness, the midfielder also possesses extreme technical ability and has more than shown his range of passing in the Premier League in recent seasons. Tottenham are also said to be interested in the midfielder, which makes sense given Frank is now at the helm after Ange Postecoglou was sacked.

With Jorginho leaving for Flamengo this summer, Arsenal will be extremely light in midfield should Partey also depart. As well as Zubimendi, the Gunners would have Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino who can play in the middle of the park.

Kai Havertz is able to play slightly deeper, but Arteta has said he sees the German as more of a striker. Albert Sambi Lokonga will return to the club this summer after a loan spell at Sevilla, but the Belgian is expected to depart in the coming months.