Arsenal closing in on third signing of the summer

The midfielder struggled to keep fit during the following campaign however, missing most of it with a hamstring injury and managing to appear just 16 times.

His final season at Arsenal proved to be his most successful. Partey scored four goals and provided three assists in 52 appearances as he helped his side secure another second-place finish as well as reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The loss of Partey will be disappointing for the Gunners. He has been a solid performer during his time in north London, but there are aspects of a departure that make sense. Not receiving a fee is a burden, but Partey's inability to stay fit and slowly decreasing ability mean letting him go isn't the worst thing.

With 192 appearances, 13 goals, and nine assists to his name, Norgaard has built a reputation as a disciplined, tactically astute defensive midfielder. Former manager Thomas Frank previously described him as “one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League,” underlining the Dane’s influence at the club. But with Frank now at Tottenham and Brentford undergoing a transitional summer following several key exits, Norgaard may be ready for a new challenge.

Arsenal’s interest in the Dane comes amid a broader midfield reshuffle led by new sporting director Andrea Berta. With Jorginho having joined Flamengo and Partey’s contract set to expire at the end of June, Mikel Arteta is keen to reinforce the squad with Premier League-proven talent. The Gunners are also close to finalising a £51m deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to be Partey’s long-term replacement in the No. 6 role. Norgaard, meanwhile, is viewed as an experienced, versatile option to rotate alongside Zubimendi and Declan Rice.