Arsenal actually tried to sign title-winning midfielder before Christian Norgaard, Jurgen Klopp loved him

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Arsenal had a fair amount of work to do in their midfield this summer.

The Gunners have been solid in the middle of the park in recent years, but they lost two players in the number six role at the end of their contracts.

Martin Zubimendi was brought in to be a regular starter, and the Spaniard is expected to start most games alongside Declan Rice in midfield.

Christian Norgaard has also been brought in, and he is set to play the Jorginho role after the Italian left the Gunners for Flamengo in Brazil.

Now, a report has emerged saying that Arsenal actually tried to sign another player in that role.

Arsenal entered talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich

Joao Palhinha was among the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League during his time at Fulham.

The Portugal international was fantastic for the Lilywhites and was linked with a move to several big clubs in the Premier League and abroad.

Jurgen Klopp was a big fan of Palinha and wanted to sign him for Liverpool, but it was Bayern Munich who ended up securing his signature.

The midfielder won the Bundesliga title last season, but his future is up in the air.

BILD have now revealed that Arsenal actually held concrete discussions to sign Palhinha shortly before the Club World Cup began in June.

However, an agreement could not be reached between the parties, which is why Arsenal moved on to their other target — Norgaard from Brentford.

The Dane is a great signing, but one can only wonder how good Palhinha would’ve been had he joined the Gunners.

Arsenal fans shouldn’t sleep on Christian Norgaard

Norgaard hasn’t been a signing that has gotten Arsenal fans off their seats, and he probably won’t play too many games either.

However, the Dane is still a very shrewd signing by the Gunners.

Just like Jorginho was when he was brought in from Chelsea, Norgaard is more than good enough to provide cover when required, and he is a huge set-piece threat too.

Palhinha would’ve been good for Arsenal, but we think Norgaard will prove to be a successful signing for the North Londoners, even if he won’t play a lot of games.