Latest news with #MikelArteta
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Revealed: How Arsenal-bound Christian Norgaard compares with outgoing Thomas Partey and the Premier League's best midfielders
Few Premier League clubs have more riding on this summer transfer window than Arsenal. A trio of second-placed finishes have left little more room for error if Mikel Arteta and his side are to achieve the success they have spent five years working towards. A recognised striker has long been viewed as the Gunners' greatest need in the transfer market, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres linked. But the news that Thomas Partey is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract has made the signing of a replacement for the Ghanaian holding midfielder pertinent. That has taken them to Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, who is set to join Arsenal after a reported £10million initial fee, plus £5m in add-ons, was agreed with the Bees on Wednesday. Norgaard may become Arsenal's first official signing of the summer amid reports that Real Sociedad would like to wait until July to finalise the exit of Martin Zubimendi for accounting purposes and with Kepa Arrizabalaga's arrival delayed. Danish international Norgaard joined the Bees in 2019 and has been a crucial part of their solidification as a Premier League club. He made 196 appearances under former manager and fellow countryman Thomas Frank and was named Brentford captain in 2023. Norgaard is one of several Brentford stars attracting the interest of bigger clubs this summer, with Mail Sport reporting on Wednesday that the Bees are under attack in terms of losing players and staff after a fee for the Dane was agreed with Arsenal. The move comes just at the right time for the Gunners, who have recently had to come to terms with the bitter pill that experienced midfielder Partey may not agree a new contract with the north Londoners. This rapid move for Norgaard may all but confirm that Partey will depart the Emirates on June 30. The former Atletico Madrid man signed for Arsenal from the Spanish giants in a £45m deal in 2020 and has made 167 appearances for the club, registering nine goals and seven assists. But it was his defensive work in midfield which made the most difference for Arteta's side, as the 32-year-old became a crucial part of the Gunners rebuild. He made 52 appearances in all competitions last season, shining as Arsenal defeated Real Madrid on the way to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Ultimately, an impasse has been reached with the club over a new deal, and Arsenal have seemingly been forced to move on, with Norgaard set to step through the door. But how does Norgaard compare? Not only to Partey, but to other elite players in his position across the Premier League? Norgaard's undeniable qualities One of the most important things Norgaard will bring to Arsenal is his experience in what is still a relatively young side. With Jorginho, Partey and Neto departing this summer, 31-year-old Norgaard will instantly arrive at the Emirates as the oldest player in the squad. Thism in addition to his previous experience as a club captain, means the Dane could grow into a leadership role at his new employers. And on the pitch, his qualities are undeniable. Compared with six of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League – Moises Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch, Sandro Tonali, Partey, Yves Bissouma and Casemiro – Norgaard's stats for the last campaign are a match for his peers in several metrics. Norgaard leads the group in aerial duels won with 52 - almost double Partey's 28 and 13 clear of closest challenger Casemiro. The 35-cap Denmark international has an aerial dual success rate of 61.9 per cent, also significantly above Partey. The Ghanaian leads the day when it comes to tackles and overall duels won though, as his 89 tackles outrank Norgaard's 79 and only trail the 114 of Caicedo. Partey won 172 duels with a 57.3 per cent success rate to marginally surpass Norgaard in both cases, though Chelsea's Caicedo is again clear in duels won and Casemiro leads the group with a 63.5 per cent success rate. Interestingly, Norgaard made more of a valuable contribution at the other end of the pitch than his peers last season. With five goals and four assists in the league, his nine goal contributions clear Partey and Tonali's six each. Norgaard has never been a prolific goalscorer across his career but enjoyed his most productive season to date last campaign and may offer the Gunners an even bigger threat than they already pose from set pieces. Playing in a Brentford side which would soak up pressure and then break rapidly, Norgaard naturally completed fewer passes than Partey but makes up for it with his outstanding record at winning back possession. Having won the ball back 193 times, he dwarfs Partey's record of 138 but once again trails only Caicedo. Norgaard's 49 interceptions are behind only Gravenberch, who was voted Premier League Young Player of the Season. A midfield enforcer rather than a deep-lying creator, Norgaard is just the type of player Arsenal need, and his qualities may blend well with those of Zubimendi when he inevitably also arrives. What role could Norgaard play? But what do all these stats mean? They suggest the conclusion that in Norgaard Arsenal will be getting one of the best players in his position in the Premier League. Playing arguably the best football of his career and nearly always available during his time in West London, the 31-year-old will feel he is ready to take the trip to the north of the capital and fight for the top domestic and European honours. He may be a rotation option for Arsenal rather than a nailed-on starter, with Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Norgaard and Zubimendi likely to compete for two spots in the Gunners midfield. It is also conceivable that Arteta will opt for two holding midfielders on occasion, freeing Martin Odegaard or Rice to create in front of them. Regardless, it is clear that Norgaard will have a big role to play both on and off the pitch, and he will likely have been swayed by Arteta with the chance to fight for trophies with one of the biggest clubs in England. This is not the first time Norgaard has been linked with a move away from Brentford, amid previous interest from Benfica and recent competition from Frank's new club Tottenham Hotspur. The decision to keep his family in London may have been a telling factor, and it seems the player has decided that Arsenal's project is the right one for him as he prepares to enter the twilight of his career. Brentford must be worried about what the new season may hold after their prized assets continue to slip away from their grasp, but their loss is the Gunners' gain. Norgaard signed a new contract with the Bees as recently as March. Former manager Frank said to Brentford's club website after the announcement: 'Christian has been an integral part of the fantastic journey we have been on these past six years. He is our club captain and one of our most important players. 'His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch. And he has picked up his goal threat this season. 'The first time I coached Christian, he was a No 10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.'
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Premier League managerial rookies increasingly rare
Brentford are renowned for their innovative, data-led approach under owner Matthew Benham, often defying conventional wisdom in search of an edge when it comes to recruitment and strategy, and they have certainly bucked the trend by naming the inexperienced Keith Andrews as their boss. He was previously the Bees' set-piece coach and has also worked as an assistant at MK Dons, Sheffield United and the Republic of Ireland but this is his first managerial is increasingly rare for Premier League clubs to opt for a permanent manager who has not taken charge of a competitive senior last man appointed in such circumstances was Mikel Arteta in 2019, though the Spaniard was by that point already a sought-after coach following three years working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester examples have also tended to involve high-profile hired Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren in 2001 and Gareth Southgate in 2006, while Gianfranco Zola's managerial career began with West Ham in 2008 - and the likes of Attilio Lombardo (Crystal Palace), Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli (both Chelsea) started as player-managers in the 1990s.A less well-known name is Les Reed, who won one of seven games with Charlton in 2006.A more common path now is for rookies to prove their worth as a recently, Gary O'Neil took the reins at Bournemouth in August 2023 despite no prior experience, getting the job on a permanent basis three months dismissed at the end of the season, he led the side to 15th, earning another shot at management with Wolves.
Metro
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Arsenal consider surprise bid for £32m Chelsea star
Arsenal have included Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson on their list of striker targets for the summer transfer window, according to reports. Mikel Arteta has made the signing of a new striker one of his top priorities for the summer window and Arsenal have already begun talks for both Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal also failed with a £60 million bid to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in the January transfer window but the 29-year-old remains on their shortlist. Jackson, meanwhile, has scored 30 goals in 80 appearances for Chelsea following his £31.8m move from Villarreal in 2023, but the 24-year-old has been criticised for his lack of consistency during his time at Stamford Bridge. According to Duncan Castles, who was speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Arsenal have Jackson on their summer shortlist and Chelsea would be open to selling the striker having already signed Liam Delap for £30m from Ipswich Town this month. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But Arsenal are said to be holding out for a deal which represents the best value and are yet to make a final decision over which striker they will sign. 'Mikel Arteta last season wanted to work with a tight squad, a small squad, because he thought that would give him the optimum chance of winning, the Premier League, it proved to be wrong, a whole host of injuries and also suspension issues,' Castles said. 'He's changed his stance and wants a big squad and they're going about it in all kinds of areas. 'Viktor Gyokeres has basically told Sporting he's not going to play or train for them again unless they let him go at the price of €60 million plus €10m in bonuses that was agreed at the end of last season's transfer window, big fight with the president there. 'He is one of four candidates to be the new striker at Arsenal. 'Benjamin Sesko has been a key figure in their list of targets. One of the issues is Sesko has been asking for a release clause to be added to a contract that he would sign with Arsenal, which is something that Arsenal are not keen on for obvious reasons. 'Ollie Watkins… Arsenal explored sighting him in January, Aston Villa said, 'no, you will not be taking our key forward at that point'. But Watkins, I'm told, would be open to a move to Arsenal. 'Whether that will emerge, you'd like to play for continue playing for club in the Champions League but play for club with the possibility winning the Premier League title, if Arsenal were to offer Aston Villa a sum that would be acceptable to them. 'And then there's one more name that I've become aware of this week which may come as a surprise which is Nicholas Jackson, the Chelsea striker who's had an interesting time in his two years at Chelsea. 'Chelsea have always been looking for either adding somewhere else in that position or replacing him totally. More Trending 'Chelsea say they're not actively looking to sell Jackson in this window but he's not one of the 'untouchable' figures within the squad, so were a big enough offer to come in they would consider selling him. 'The guidance I have on where Arsenal are on this is this broad range of options as deliberate, they want to ensure that they get a centre forward for Arteta in this window and don't fail like they did last summer. 'They will do one of these deals. They are telling the representatives of the players involved that what it will come down to is the deal that they believe makes the best sense to the club, dependent on the financial terms they can secure with the player and with certain players such as Gyokeres, the personal terms are already agreed, and what they can secure with the selling club. 'It is very much best deal on all parameters once all parameters are assessed they are trying to get one of them in the door and nothing is settled yet.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Man Utd sent latest transfer message by Real Betis over 'complex' Antony deal MORE: Ashley Cole sends warning to fans over 'great' Chelsea player MORE: £70m England star makes transfer decision amid Chelsea and Man Utd interest
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Valencia star has ‘given the green light' to Arsenal move
Valencia star Crishtian Mosquera is keen on the prospect of a move to England, with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an insight into the youngster's desires at present. Advertisement The name of defender Mosquera has of course proven an altogether prominent one in the headlines across Spain over the last 24 hours. This comes after word was forthcoming that the brass at the aforementioned Arsenal had opened talks with both the stopper's entourage and Valencia, over the terms of a summer transfer. And as alluded to above, Mosquera, for his part, appears to be more than keen on a potential Emirates switch. As revealed by journalist Fabrizio Romano, also responsible for breaking the news regarding Arsenal's swoop for the 20-year-old: 'More on Christian Mosquera and Arsenal story. Understand Spanish defender has already given his green light to the move. Mosquera's keen on joining Arsenal, the club has already explained the project.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal missed out on £88.5m star and club-record striker in failed transfers
Arsenal have been guilty of missing out on some of the world's biggest stars throughout the years in failed transfer deals Mikel Arteta will hope not to repeat history this summer Mikel Arteta will need to be in top form during the summer transfer window as he looks to lead Arsenal to a first Premier League title since 2004. It's been three straight second-place finishes for the north London side, who witnessed Liverpool stroll to a record-equalling 21st top-flight title this past season. In order to combat yet another season for failing to capture the ultimate prize in English football, the Gunners have reportedly placed the utmost importance on signing a striker. RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres have long been linked with a move to the Emirates but the club have yet to pull the trigger on a deal. Having almost clinched the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard, Arteta is said to be chasing Valencia ace Cristhian Mosquera to add to his defensive depth. Wide players are also said to be on Arteta's transfer list with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus reportedly subject to interest. But the Gunners have famously missed out on some of the sport's biggest stars, with Mirror Football delving into a few of their failed transfers over the years. Luis Suarez Perhaps the most memorable transfer saga of Arsene Wenger's reign, Luis Suarez's future was a story for the ages. After scoring 30 goals in the 2012/13 season as Liverpool finished seventh, the Uruguayan admitted he wanted to leave Anfield. Wanting to sign the striker, who had a supposed £40m release clause in his contract, Arsenal cheekily added £1 to that figure in the expectation that it would have triggered it. However, their club-record bid was rejected by Liverpool as it turned out the clause only required a transfer to be discussed. For Suarez, his motivations on moving on from Liverpool had changed thanks to a heart-to-heart with then-captain Steven Gerrard. Speaking to streamer Davoo Xeneiz in a prior interview, the Inter Miami striker said: "In 2013 I wanted to join Arsenal, because Arsenal played every year in the Champions League. "They were willing to pay a lot for me, but in England, it wouldn't have looked good to swap Liverpool for Arsenal. One day Gerrard came to me and said, 'Listen to me, I could have gone to Madrid or another team, but the best decision is for you to stay and not go to Arsenal, it won't do you any good. "'Stay and next year you will get offers from bigger clubs like Barcelona, Madrid and Bayern. And then you can decide. But don't join Arsenal. Stay for another season.'" It eventually worked out for Suarez, who scored 31 goals in his final season in Merseyside before earning a £65m move to Barcelona in 2014. Eden Hazard It was at Lille when Eden Hazard established himself as one of the best young players in the world and the undisputed best player in Ligue 1. Having won the league in the 2010/11 campaign and the Ligue 1 Player of the Year two years running, the Belgian superstar was on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in football. Among those was Arsenal, with Hazard fond of them according to comments he made whilst at Lille. "It's always more fun when [the football is] beautiful," he said. "In addition, at Arsenal, there is a coach and French players. And Thomas Vermaelen." However, it was Chelsea that won the race for Hazard, with Arsenal having to contend with missing out on the footballing genius while also losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United in the same summer. Mykhailo Mudryk In Arsenal's most recent transfer failure, it could also double up as a resounding success after they were beaten by Chelsea in the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk in 2023. The Ukrainian winger was lighting up Europe with Shakhtar Donetsk as the Gunners emerged as the frontrunners, with Arteta wanting to add firepower to his forward line. Despite Arsenal closing in on signing Mudryk, Chelsea hijacked the transfer and matched their London rivals' total bid of £88.5m, including add-ons, which Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin accepted. In light of missing out on Mudryk, Arteta signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton in what has turned out to be an extremely shrewd signing. Mudryk, however, has flattered to deceive since arriving at Stamford Bridge with just 10 goals in 73 games and is currently facing a ban of up to four years after he received an FA charge over Anti-Doping Rule Violations. Thomas Lemar The Frenchman was destined to become England's most expensive player ever if his £92m move to the Gunners came to fruition. After a stunning 2016/17 season where Lemar played a key role in Monaco pipping Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title, the winger was subject to much demand. With Arsenal leading the race to sign the star after agreeing the significant fee with the French side, the north London side were set to part ways with Alexis Sanchez who was closing in on a move to Manchester City on the last day of the summer transfer window in 2017. However, the acquisition broke down after Lemar wasn't given enough notice by Monaco on just how close the transfer was and had already made his way to France for international duty. The move collapsed, which saw Sanchez remain at the Emirates while Lemar stayed an extra year at Monaco before clinching a £62m move to Atletico Madrid the following summer. Yaya Toure The Manchester City icon may not have become a beloved figure at the Etihad Stadium if not for the work permit issues that scuppered his move to Arsenal in 2003. With his older brother Kolo already at Highbury, Toure looked set to join his sibling in playing under Wenger after having a trial with the Premier League giants. The Frenchman was keen to sign Toure - who was playing for Belgian side Beveren at the time - after he started a pre-season friendly against Barnet, but the Ivorian's difficulties in gaining a work permit meant a move fell apart. The midfielder moved to Ukraine that same year before making a return to English football in 2010 with the Citizens, with Kolo joining the club a year before. Speaking years after Toure's failed transfer, Wenger explained: "We needed to wait for his passport in Belgium. We have made mistakes but he is not a mistake, it's just the fact that he preferred to go to Metalurh Donetsk. He could go there without any passport."
