Arsenal are expected to make several major sales during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners spent heavily last year, bringing in eight new signings under Andrea Berta, and there is now a need to balance the books while also creating space for further additions.
Players like Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and Leandro Trossard have all been linked with exits in recent weeks. However, one player who nobody expected to leave this quickly is Christian Norgaard.
The experienced midfielder was only signed last summer, but it already looks like his Arsenal career could be coming to an early end.
All things considered, tell us if Christian Norgaard has been a hit or a miss.
Arsenal are ready to sell Christian Norgaard after just one year
Norgaard was Andrea Berta’s third signing during last summer’s transfer window.
The Denmark international arrived from Brentford for an initial £10 million after Arsenal decided not to extend Thomas Partey’s contract.
At the time, the move was viewed as a sensible short-term solution because of Norgaard’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities.
However, things simply have not worked out for him in North London.
The midfielder has barely featured in the league this season and has often struggled to even make Arsenal’s match-day squad.
Mikel Arteta has repeatedly preferred to rely heavily on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi rather than trust Norgaard with meaningful starts.
That lack of confidence has become increasingly obvious as the season has progressed.
Norgaard has mainly been limited to appearances in cup competitions and has even been used at centre-back on occasion.
Now, The Times claim Arsenal are open to selling him after just one year at the club because of Arteta’s lack of trust in him.
Considering how little he has played, that decision honestly makes complete sense.
🤔 KEEP or SELL: Should Arsenal offload Christian Norgaard this summer, or is he a valuable member of the squad?
Arsenal need to sign someone younger to replace Norgaard
Norgaard was effectively brought in to replace the experience and leadership Jorginho offered in midfield.
However, Arsenal need to move away from signing older players who contribute more off the pitch than on it.
At this stage of Arteta’s project, the squad needs younger players capable of making both an immediate and long-term impact.
That is why links to West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes are far more exciting.
The 21-year-old has the athleticism, technical quality and energy Arsenal need in midfield moving forward.
He would not only strengthen the squad right now but could also become a huge part of Arsenal’s future for years to come.
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