Brentford sporting director Phil Giles has effectively confirmed Christian Norgaard’s move to Arsenal.
The Gunners saw a bid worth around £10m, with a possible £5m in add-ons accepted by the Bees last week as they acted quickly to fill the void created by Jorginho’s exit and Thomas Partey’s imminent departure.
Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Norgaard and a medical has been scheduled for the Denmark international later this week.
Provided there are no complications, the 31-year-old will be announced as the latest signing under Mikel Arteta in due course, adding experience and leadership to the Arsenal engine room.
Giles has since revealed that the transfer is “more likely to happen than not”, citing conversations with the Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta over the deal.
He said: “Arsenal approached us in the last two weeks about Christian – we’ve spoken regularly with Andrea Berta.
“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.”
Arsenal are close to completing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea as links to Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera and the pursuit of a striker continue.
