In the 2019–20 season, Liverpool finally ended their long wait for a Premier League title. Central to that campaign was their midfield general, Fabinho.
Wearing the number three shirt, the Brazilian regularly demonstrated superb positional sense and defensive intelligence. His awareness allowed Liverpool to regain possession quickly and launch attacks. Positioned just ahead of the back four, he was a reliable presence who filled gaps and anchored the midfield, helping drive the Reds to their first league title in 30 years.
Now, Mikel Arteta has been tipped to bring in a player who could fill a similar role for Arsenal. According to The Mirror, Christian Nørgaard is being considered as a potential summer target.
Nørgaard comparison backed by Thomas Frank
The Brentford captain has been compared directly to Fabinho. Back in 2021, his manager Thomas Frank said:
“I think Christian is a late bloomer, and I’m very, very pleased that he’s playing for Brentford because I think if you took him out and put him into Liverpool, and changed the two players, Fabinho and him, I don’t think you’d see much difference.”
That quote may now carry fresh relevance. With Thomas Partey widely expected to depart once his contract expires next week, Arsenal are set to search the market for a new holding midfielder. Nørgaard could potentially follow Martin Zubimendi into the squad and take on the minutes Partey would have played had he stayed.
Experience and leadership appeal to Arteta
Nørgaard offers a profile that appears well suited to the Gunners’ midfield. As captain of Brentford, he brings proven Premier League experience, leadership, and a calm presence under pressure.
What seems to be drawing interest most, however, is his potential availability at a reasonable price. Despite having two years remaining on his current contract, Arsenal are reportedly encouraged by the belief that a deal could be reached without a premium fee.
Beyond the stylistic comparisons to Fabinho, Nørgaard could play a key early-season role in giving Zubimendi space to adapt. His ability to anchor the midfield, shield the defence, and lead by example may prove vital if Arsenal are to mount another serious title push.
What do you think?
Daniel O
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
So with Zubimendi in midfield with Nørgaard as suggested in the article, presumably with Rice, where does Odegaard fit in? I thought Nøgaard was being looked at as a replacement for Jorginho therefore just a back up, not a starter?
Nørgaard would be a sub / rotation option for Zubimendi.
First team setup would be Ødegaard-Rice-Zubimendi.
Structural backups: Nwaneri-Merino-Nørgaard.
Exactly!
Not for me!!!!!
This would be a good signing if Partey doesn’t agree a new contract with Arsenal. He replaces the experience we lose from the outgoing Partey and Jorginho. Most importantly, he is Premier League ready, so he should slot in seamlessly should Zubimendi need more time to adapt to the league.
It also makes financial sense. He reportedly earns £40,000 per week so even if you double his wages, it would still be less than half what Partey earns. This could allow the club more room in the wage bill to allocate to the likes of Saka, Saliba or a new striker. The transfer fee will be reasonable as well.
Zubimendi + Norgaard could be an upgrade on Partey+ Jorginho because they have more legs in them to begin with. This should allow Rice and Odegaard to more adventurous- that in itself improves the attack indirectly.
This isn’t a good signing in any way imo because it will only put us back in this same situation in 5 years time. We will have Zubimendi looking for last juicy contract with increase in wages which Arsenal will refuse after this player has left just like Jorginho.
What Arsenal needs after the signing of Zubimendi is young DM that will ready to takeover from him in the future not some 31 year old player that will play a limited role without future benefit for the team.
Reports this morning are claiming that Arsenal have actually made an offer for the player and are waiting for a response from his club.
I think this is a good move by Arsenal. We would be getting a PL-experienced player to alternate with a PL new horn in Zubimendi.
Not exciting but solid, a good squad player who will give us depth beyond Zubimendi.
I’m not too sure about this. I understand why but I don’t think it is a good move for either parties.
Would he join as a back up seeing that he plays week in week out for Brentford. I just don’t see where he fits in with Merino, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard and possibly Zubimendi
in the central roles.
Also isn’t Sambi coming back and plays a 6, why waste the resource for a squad player when we already have one in Lokonga?
Lokonga is not a 6 . He’s more useful further forward but even then we have better players there . As it is, I would even play Myles in midfield before Lokonga. I’m not sure the club is keen on keeping him. Decent passer of the ball but defensively suspect.
He may not be a guaranteed starter but playing in the Champions League for a big club must mean something to a professional footballer. I reckon he’ll also earn a lot more than the £40,000 per week he’s getting at Brentford.
It makes sense to replace two midfielders with two.
Exactly. It would be a good move for him. He’ll get plenty of minutes. And he’s “only” ~10m, so also a good deal for us for that level of experience and solidity when compared with the other options.
He’s 31, so eventually Brentford will want fresh legs too. This is potentially his last, best chance at a move to a big club.
Not that I disagree with your reasoning but Lokonga can play as a defensive midfielder. He was utilised as a 6 for us during many of Partey injuries until we bought Jorginho and if you google his position most sites state he plays dm and cm. So he is a defensive midfielder.
You mention MLS, so surely if we have a fit left back next season then why not put him there to develop.
Although it matters not now as it looks like the transfer is happening (as per BBC sports) I still don’t understand the reasoning. If Norgaard is one of the missing pieces to win the EPL or any trophy why hasn’t anybody ever enquired about his availability in the past and in his prime years? Surely, If we had any ambition or statements we would revisit Douglas Luiz?
Personally, and my opinion only… this is a panic buy because Partey has decided to walk and as ever it shows pure naivety from the people that are running the club from above thinking that Partey would resign. They had plenty of time to identify targets (Plan B) if he was to move on and we again have been caught again with our pants around our ankles.
Who would have been your Plan B ?
I don’t think it’s a panic buy – he’s clearly been identified a while ago in anticipation of partey leaving, otherwise there’s no reason we’d have moved so quickly.
I can’t relate with this decision, very unconvincing! As for the comparison with fabinho. Inaccurate! Can’t lace his boots in terms of quality and personality.
Exactly!!!!!
With Partey now gone and Nørgaard all but signed with just loose ends to tie up, I think he’s a great addition to the squad.
Seems like he could be a good player for the squad – likes to tackle, decent passer, knows the league well and would be yet another set piece threat.