'Arsenal plot shock Christian Norgaard move as Brentford exodus accelerates'

Arsenal are planning a "shock" move to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard ahead of the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 31-year-old is on the Gunners' list of midfield targets.

This comes after Thomas Frank left the Bees to become Tottenham's new manager, leading to speculation about a number of their first-team stars' futures.

Spurs have also been linked with Norgaard following Franks appointment, but their North London rivals are keen to beat them to the punch.

Mikel Arteta is aiming to bolster his midfield options in the transfer window while adding further leadership and experience to his squad.

Football Insider revealed in April that Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave Arsenal upon the expiry of their contracts, and both are in line to be replaced.

Arsenal eye Christian Norgaard after Thomas Partey latest

Brown told Football Insider in April that Arsenal want to sign a midfielder to replace Partey as Arteta is determined not to see his squad weakened.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that while it may be a "shock" to some, the midfielder would be a good option for Arsenal.

"Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for," he told Football Insider.

"So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them.

"He's a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that's what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.

"Arsenal have been keeping an eye on him because they want to strengthen their midfield options.

"They have to decide where he would fit in their team and what his role would be.

"But he's certainly a player they feel would strengthen their squad because he's a good player, he's a leader and he's got plenty of experience.

"It looks like a lot of players could be leaving Brentford because the manager is gone.

"That will be a blow to them, but it wouldn't surprise me to see people like Norgaard tempted to move on."

Kaoru Mitoma update emerges after Bayern Munich twist

Another player Arsenal have been linked with ahead of the summer transfer window is Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma, although they face competition for his signature.

Brown told Football Insider on 22 June that Bayern Munich are leading the race for Mitoma and are confident they can convince him to move to the Bundesliga.

Bayern are keen to sign a new wide midfielder after missing out on Florian Wirtz, and are also believed to be targeting Eberechi Eze and Cody Gakpo this summer.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Mitoma’s situation and could make a move if he is allowed to leave Brighton.

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