As every Arsenal fan knows, Mikel Arteta had a very successful playing career with us at the Emirates Stadium following his arrival from Everton back in 2011, and he returned to us once again in 2019 to take up the managerial hot seat in his own right and whilst it has not all been plain sailing he has lifted silverware, but we have been consigned to the runners up spot in what all Gunners fans want - top spot and the Premier League title.

Fans are understandably still brushing off their frustrations and disappointments from last term as we head towards the 2025/26 campaign and whilst the summer transfer window has already seen some big moves given Gianni Infantino's obsession with the Club World Cup competition, now the real window is open Arsenal have already begun making moves to strengthen the squad further in what can only be a move to put us in the real position of moving from second place into first. Arsenal’s trophy odds ahead of the 2025–26 campaign will be huge for those fans who like a flutter, and our moves in the transfer window will seriously effect those odds.

Whilst plenty of questions remains about targets, particularly on the speculation rumour mill front on the subject of strikers, it is now being reported that we have struck a firm agreement with Brentford in an effort to secure the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard.

Thomas Partey's contract comes to an end next week, and although the 32 year old Ghanaian international has been in talks over a new deal, nothing has been agreed and the educated guess is that an agreement cannot be found. It would explain the speculation linking us with a move for Sevilla's French midfielder and 23 year old Lucien Agoume as a potential replacement, but although Norgaard is not the age profile we would expect at 31 years old, 35 international caps for Denmark plus Premier League experience going back to 2019 does make semi decent sense as we look to consolidate experience in some positions, whilst really looking for improvement in others.

The PL experience is claimed to be something that Arteta himself prioritised here, and from our point of view if the deal is as speculated within the media then it makes a lot of financial sense as we look at other positions that do need strengthening. It is suggested that we have agreed an initial fee worth £10 million for the player, with an additional £5 million in add on bonuses and clauses.

It is also a late move which will leave fans wondering who we missed out on, as it is believed that Norgaard was not initially a target yet we have moved incredibly swiftly in the last week or two to get him through the door.

It is also not the only capture that is being worked on currently, as it is reported that we are working on a deal to complete the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as we are more than happy to pay his £5 million release fee. The experienced 30 year old Spanish international stopper spent last season on loan with Bournemouth, making 31 appearances in total, and prior to that he spent 2023/24 with La Liga giants Real Madrid, making 20 appearances for them.

These might not be signings that fans had hoped to see as we looked to improve our challenger position, but it also should not be forgotten that we are close to finalising the deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for a reported £51 million.

A bit of strength in depth and different options will not count against us as we go for better next season.