There will be no reunion between Thomas Frank and Christian Norgaard at Tottenham, with bitter rivals Arsenal closing in on the midfielder's signature.
Frank, who coached Norgaard in the Danish youth setups, signed the now 31-year-old at Brondby and Brentford, and there was some talk of the pair linking up again in N17.
Norgaard has blossomed into a sturdy Premier League performer in west London, and was named the Bees' captain in 2023. He's a physically imposing holding midfielder who boasts a distinct threat from set-pieces. It's no wonder Mikel Arteta was keen to bring him to the wrong side of north London.
Arsenal to sign Tottenham midfield transfer target Christian Norgaard
🚨 Arsenal in process of finalising agreement with Brentford to sign Christian Norgaard. Dialogue continues between #AFC & #BrentfordFC midfielder over contract length at Emirates Stadium. Medical for 31yo Denmark international being planned @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/xhhZ6JlhYt
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2025
In truth, the Norgaard to Tottenham links were tenuous, and they only surfaced after Frank's arrival. On Monday, a report emerged that suggested Brentford wanted as much as £45m for their captain's services this summer, but Arsenal are set to sign Norgaard for £15m—including add-ons.
The Gunners failed with their opening bid of just over £9m, but David Ornstein reports that the perennial Premier League bridesmaids are 'finalising' their agreement with Frank's former club.
It's sensible business from our rivals, who have signed Martin Zubimendi to replace Jorginho and will bring in Norgaard as a Thomas Partey replacement. The 31-year-old will be expected to provide cover for the a projected starting pair of Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
But anyway, that's enough about them.
While I would've liked Norgaard in N17, he's not a player I'll be losing sleep over. However, if reports of a small summer kitty are true, then the Brentford skipper would've been a useful addition at the base of midfield at that price point. He's one of Frank's most trusted lieutenants—a high floor, low ceeling move with little chance of failure.
Spurs require reinforcements in the middle of the park, and the profile I think we need is the 'destroyer' type with an eye for a pass. Douglas Luiz intrigues me, and Juventus are believed to be willing to let him go for peanuts this summer. Sevilla's Lucien Agoume is also doing the rounds, but I rate the Frenchman as more of a project. While an impressive ball-winner, he doesn't move me in possession. There's scope for growth, though.
Arsenal were said to be in for Agoume, so their pursuit of Norgaard means that there's one less competitor to shake off if the club identify the 23-year-old as a potential target.