Arsenal Agree Shock £15m Deal for 31-Year-Old Skipper to Replace Partey, Medical Imminent

Arsenal Agree £15m Deal for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard as Partey Exit Looms
By Matt Barlow, Mail Sport
Published: 20:55 BST, 25 June 2025 | Updated: 08:03 BST, 26 June 2025

Arsenal have agreed a shock £15 million deal to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, signaling the end of Thomas Partey’s stint at the Emirates. The Gunners moved swiftly to secure the 31-year-old Danish midfielder as contract renewal talks with Partey stalled.

Norgaard’s transfer includes an initial £10 million fee, with up to £5 million in add-ons. Personal terms are yet to be finalized but are not expected to pose issues, as the player eyes a chance to compete for titles and Champions League football. The deal marks a significant step for Arsenal in bolstering their midfield with Premier League-proven leadership.

[Image: Christian Norgaard in action for Brentford]
Caption: Norgaard’s experience and leadership were key to Brentford’s rise in the Premier League.

Partey, 32, is set to depart when his contract expires this month. Despite Arsenal’s efforts to retain him, wage demands reportedly stalled negotiations. Norgaard’s arrival provides immediate cover, offering tactical discipline and top-flight experience.

Brentford face a summer exodus, having already lost manager Thomas Frank and staff to Tottenham. Manchester United are also closing in on a £60 million deal for forward Bryan Mbeumo, while Spurs had eyed Norgaard for a reunion with Frank. Arsenal’s quick negotiations, however, secured the midfielder ahead of rivals.

[Image: Thomas Partey during an Arsenal match]
Caption: Partey’s exit ends a mixed tenure plagued by injuries but highlighted by key performances.

Norgaard signed a two-year extension with Brentford in March amid interest from Benfica, prioritizing family stability. However, Arsenal’s prestige and ambitions proved irresistible. The Dane, who joined Brentford in 2019, became a fulcrum of their midfield, driving their rise from the Championship to a steady Premier League presence.

Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by new sporting director Andrea Berta, is also finalizing a £55 million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international will replace Jorginho, who joined Flamengo after his contract expired.

[Image: Mikel Arteta on the Arsenal touchline]
Caption: Arteta continues reshaping his squad for a renewed title push.

Brentford’s resolve is being tested as key figures depart. Mbeumo’s impending move to Old Trafford follows Frank’s exit, leaving the Bees in transition. Tottenham had hoped to lure both Mbeumo and Norgaard but now face stiff competition in the market.

For Arsenal, the focus remains on building a squad capable of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool. Norgaard’s arrival adds depth alongside Declan Rice, while Zubimendi’s creativity could elevate their midfield dynamics.

Stay updated with Mail Sport for more transfer news and analysis.

Share or comment on this article:
Arsenal agree SHOCK £15m deal to sign Premier League captain to replace outgoing Thomas Partey – with 31-year-old set for medical

[Facebook logo] Follow Mail Sport on Facebook for breaking news and insights.

Images sourced from Daily Mail archives. Article credit: Matt Barlow, Mail Sport.