Arsenal is now closing in on a move for Christian Norgaard to replace Thomas Partey after failing to agree on a deal with the Ghanaian midfielder. Partey has been in fantastic form over the last twelve months, which prompted the Gunners to want to extend his stay. By the summer of 2024, most of us knew that Partey would be allowed to leave Arsenal, especially after they signed Mikel Merino. The Ghanaian had been injury-prone throughout his time at the club until that summer, and it made little sense to keep him in the squad beyond that term.
However, Partey had other plans, and his final season became his most consistent campaign at the club. Although Arsenal knew for a long time that they would sign Martin Zubimendi, they still wanted to keep Partey in their squad. Mikel Arteta publicly admitted he wanted the former Atletico Madrid man to stay, but the club has now failed to agree a deal with him. Instead of celebrating the arrival of Norgaard as his replacement, Arsenal fans are mostly sad because of Partey’s departure, and this says a lot.
The Impact of Partey’s Departure
When Partey missed one of the PSG games last season, most fans had lower expectations that the team would win that game, and it was true. Partey’s form last term made him a player the team could not do without. Even if Norgaard spends three seasons at the Emirates, he will never make as much of an impact as Partey because they are not the same player.
Norgaard to Bring Experience and Leadership
Arsenal reportedly reached an agreement to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford after failing to reach an agreement with Partey. The Bees agreed to sell their captain to the Gunners, and the midfielder is expected to undergo his medical soon to complete the move. Norgaard has been one of the league’s most efficient midfielders, and his experience as a leader at Brentford will be valuable to the younger players in the current dressing room. This move represents a shift for Arsenal as they move forward without Partey but hope to maintain strength in midfield.
The agreement between Arsenal and Brentford is complete, and the transfer is imminent. While fans are saddened by Partey’s exit, Norgaard’s arrival brings hope for continued midfield stability at the Emirates.
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So according to reports, Partey was on 200k a week contract and Arsenal wanted to extend his stay with the same wages. Usually wages are decreased when player hits +30 so it was a generous offer from Arsenal. I reckon the length was 1+1 or 2+1 , with the latter year being an option.
However, this was not enough for Partey or his agent as they wanted a pay raise. It’s common for 32-year olds to get a “final payday”, so I estimate they wanted something in the region of 250k a week.
I am glad Arsenal didn’t succumb to those demands as Partey is known for his recurring injuries.
Therefore Arsenal went and bought a 31-year old Norgaard, who was reportedly on 40k/week wages at Brentford.
We paid roughly 10 million for him, probably gave a 2-3 year contract with a little pay raise – I estimate it to be 60-70k a week as that’s what the likes of Kiwior/Elneny/other rotation players were on.
So all in all with these estimates on mind, on a 3-year contract we would’ve paid Partey 39 million in wages he demanded, compared to Norgaard’s 9.4-10.9 million. Even with the transfer fee (which I think should’ve been lower), we saved at least 20 million.
The figure seems about accurate. Partey’s agent was indeed apparently asking for 250K p/w wages + commission. If true, I’m glad we turned that down, just based on his injury history. We’ve clearly learnt about albatross player salaries.
Great player when fit, though it’s hard to argue that we’ll be significantly worse off with Zubimendi.
Keep in mind that I believe the Rice-Zubimendi will be the duo starting so Partey would’ve been a very expensive rotation player with us having Merino as well to rotate central midfield.
Norgaard had a very good season last season.
Why not give Partey 250k a week for 1 or even a 2 year contract. With no transfer fee this works out at 12m per year and he is better than Norgaard (Look at the stats if you don’t believe me). Now we are paying a reported 15m in transfer fees for Norgaard and so even if we are paying him half of what Partey wants then it still works out more expensive for the year at 21m.
Well most likely Partey refused just a 1-year contract. Players at +30 years old want longer contracts while for clubs its the other way around.
Also you have to remember the signing-fee and agent cut, which I guarantee would’ve been HIGHER than Norgaard’s asking. The Norgaard fee is 15 million WITH addons, which are bonuses such as winning a title, certain amount of apperances etc.
Partey was better but again, Partey would’ve been 3rd choice anyhow next season because Zubimendi at his age and experience, is counted on to be a starter.
So Nørgaard only had an asking price and didn’t have an agent fee and signing on bonus?
He’s the kind of player that clubs like City will not sign given their current ambition. Arsenal is all about the bank balance. I’m not saying keeping Partey was the holy grail but signing Nørgaard? When we end up trophyless next season, we will come back to the usual Arsenal-esque discussion about not having quality backups.
I’m not in agreement with Dan Smith over letting Partey go, but I’m sure the next time he’s writing one of his usual critical articles about the club, he will point to this signing as prioritizing the bank balance over quality.
Norgaard had both for sure – if you read my text you will notice I mentioned Norgaards asking was certainly lower than Parteys.
The club were offering him a 1 year contract on reduced wages. Who will accept that?
I think that’s fair to be honest
It seems that Partey was offered a deal at his current salary and he refused it.
His choice, but I don’t think our club are wrong in saying that’s it, take it or leave it.
Likewise, I believe Partey sees it as a final contract where he can earn big money, so he’s looking after himself as well.
At least we’re not seeing the situation where we lose both Jorginho and Party, while bringing in one replacement.
Sorry to see this top player leave, I wish he wasn’t, but life goes on.
In the world we live in where we all know how much footballers are paid, coupled with the Saudis and Partey’s quality, I’m very sure he would not have accepted a 1 year contract AND on reduced wages.
In a club where Havertz (who will most likely be on the bench next season when we bring in a striker) earns a reported 280k for being unable to perform in midfield where he was signed to play, would Partey have accepted less than 200k for only a year? I don’t think so and I think the club was naive in dragging negotiations till now when it was all blindingly obvious it would not work.
@dgr8xt: Quite a fair assessment and thanks
Well said dgr.
Well said. Arteta and Edu has created such problems by bringing in average players (mostly a backup options for top club) on high fee and salary from Chelsea and City. Instead of utilizing the money properly to build a title winning squad.
And they sold our youngster like Mika Bereith who could have been better backup options for peanuts.
If they don’t learn Arsenal will never going to win anything significant
It may turn out to be a blow, but it’s hardly a surprise.
Partey receives around £10.5m a season according to reports and apparently wanted a two-year contract to remain at the club.
Given Arsenal’s likely expenditure (in fees and wages) over this window it was never going to be good business to keep a 32-year-old, injury-prone, player at those terms.
I’m sure Partey will be able to get a lucrative, final, move so wish him well.
Arsenal rarely give too much away about their transfer business.
I’m neutral regarding Partey staying or going but if the length of contract and wages exceed what is financially sensible to pay a player who would be less likely to be a regular starter, then I’m fine with that. The Brentford captain could be that sensible signing. A club captain, knows the league and won’t demand the earth in wages
SueP,
A club captain you say, now there’s a thought.😂👍
Ho ho Derek
Can’t have too many captains
Good comments. SueP which I agree with and as for all contracts offer details and salary demands/offers, it’s all speculation as no one knows what’s been agreed, offered or said in private.
@GB: Certainly much of reactions are based on speculation.
Thanks
It’s a self-destruct.
Can I ask in what respect?
@SueP, we just weakened our midfield by letting go of a rare quality. His skill set is worth giving him the money as we need more quality and Partey is proven in the epl and wanted to stay. He is a better player compared to Norgaard and best to have kept him as we are yet to try if our new signings would fit in better.
Imo, it is also unfair to tag a player that was fit all season as injury prone because some were bent on seeing him gone…. Give the dog a bad name and hang it.
How on earth do we keep the likes of Jesus, Tomiyasu, Calafiori et al if injury is an issue.
I would swap both Merino and Norgaard for Partey any day.
If he stays in the epl and for one of the top 6 teams, we are gonna be licking our wounds.
Keeping Partey was not even going to be a risk because it is to play only half of the games in a season he will churn out quality performances better than most of the players in our fold.
Partey won’t be joining one of the top 6 trust me
Zubimendi is an upgrade
I’m increasingly excited about Zubimendi. They’ve been scoping him for 5 years – last year he was the best #6 in La Liga. Luis de la Fuente has even called him him the second best DM in the world (after Rodri). So he’s a world class sweeper, which helps free up Ødegaard again, but also a super intelligent regista, so again, paired with Ødegaard and Rice, his level of vision should open up our forward play better than Partey could. Also, Liverpool wanted him, and we got him! Ha.
***if he is to play only half….
Why ?
He’s injury prone who’s role in the squad is changing so Arsenal gave him a contract that reflected that
As much as I liked Partey in the main. If the reports are true on his wages, then I for one am happy that the club didn’t pursue a new contract with him.
The club needs to start learning lessons regarding paying these kinds of wages, especially to players that hardly play. Jesus springs to mind here, although that said when signed he was considered a starter.
For me it would be interesting to see if contracts could be amended in certain circumstances. As it seems ridiculous to see certain players at said clubs just basically stealing a living.
All that said I understand that only 11 players can be picked at any one time. But I think people will get my drift. Well I hope they do anyway. 👍
Yes, I would have thought that Jesus is a high earner (reportedly very high at nearly £14m, compared to Partey’s £10.5m) to be pointed in the direction of the exit door (whether he goes though it is up to him though).
Unfortunately, the contract can only be amended by mutual consent and it’s pretty unlikely that any player would choose to take a voluntary pay cut.
Probably true, though occasionally even top players make the decision to go elsewhere. If and when we sign a new number 9 he might see his minutes decline and decide it’s time to seek pastures afresh. He’s a dedicated team member and a tenacious player that adds value when fit, but I’m pretty sure we can find a less injury-prone replacement for less than 265K a week.
I will miss Partey
He’s a fantastic player
Anyway I wish him all the best
Stephanie,
They say he was the life and sole.🤣😂👍
Slow clap lol
Dan,
Are you heckling me again. 🤦♂️😂👍
No slow clap is a good thing mate
Me and my friends send it whenever someone has been clever or told a genius joke
It’s means funny
I’ll try and send you a link
Dan,
Thanks for the heads up, I thought it meant the opposite. But it’s nice to know it’s a good thing.
I like the Genius talk. I’ve never been called that, now there’s a surprise.😂👍
You ever watched Friends?
But Dan,
Don’t they do a quick hand clap, your confusing me now.😂🤣👍👏👏👏👏👏
I tried to send you a link but it wouldn’t let me lol
When Chandler takes batteries out of the remote
Ross does the slow clap like ….genius
Not sure Partey was in finest form last season. maybe improved fitness. the team had dwindled defensive form. let him go. his best days are behind him
I wanted Partey to start in our first round of fixtures and be there in case Zubimendi needs time or gets injured. I want the best player, and so did Arsenal, or they wouldn’t have offered him a new contract
It hasn’t worked out, to keep Partey. Fine. But Zubimendi or Norgard can not replace him. He will be missed. Only Rhodri and possibly Rice a better midfielder in the prem.
Zubimendi is on a different level to Partey
And can think of like 5 CM who had a better season then Partey
Again we think our players are better then they are
Thats not my opinion.
And our record with Partey not in midfield is decidedly worse than when he is there.
Zubi is world class. Better at sweeping than Partey, and more progressive. We’ll be fine – in fact I expect, better.
But still Since last 2 years stubborn Arteta uses him at RB. Self-destruction at its best 🙂
And again you easily rubbish our players. So Zubimendi is on a different level to Partey? Sums up your bias
Well our manager disagrees lol
And our manager disagreed with many others, we needed a number 9.
Oh I said this in January
But seriously Zubimendi will blow you away
dgr8xt,
In fairness to Bergkampfwagen, it’s his opinion not bias.
You clearly think that Partey is better, your opinion, no bias there either. 👍
Thanks Derek! Yep it’s all just opinions. Though I think he was attacking Dan that time 🙂
OT. MLS has just signed a new 5 year contract. If anyone on JA is on Twitter look at the video the club has put up on their account. Brilliant by The Arsenal 👏👏👏👏
I’m sure a couple of weeks ago there were concerns that he’d be off to Madrid, HD. Panic over then!😊
Yes SueP, and some people believed it 😂
Never would have happened
Wouldn’t get in their 11
Would t even get in their 25 man squad
Arsenal when signing defensive players:
Identify today
Discuss today
Finalize today.
Arsenal when signing offensive players:
-Identify 2 years ago
-Monitores for 1 and half years
-Discuss with player’s camp for a year.
-Keep a good relationship with the club
-Target someone else
-Repeat
Wasn’t Zubimendi meant to be in the UK last Friday to complete the deal
He’s lost on the Tube
Dan,
He must be looking for that former Tottenham manager, who’s name escapes me. 🤣👍
Yes, that’s what was reported but there’s a reason for the delay in him signing for Arsenal (probably until 1st July) and that’s to suit Real Sociedad’s somewhat shaky finances.
As the football financial year runs from July 1 to June 30, by delaying Zubimendi’s sale it will be in the new financial year, not the current one had the deal already gone through by now. That gives them more scope for other business within the remaining months of this transfer window.
Very frustrating
Time to move on, we have other fish to fry. I was recently watching some snippets of Partey, on his day he his a fine ball playing DM but we shouldn’t go beyond his current pay structure to keep him.
I’ve just seen on the Arsenal website that Lewis Skelly has signed a new 5 year contract.
He say’s that he wants to win everything in the game, we’ll that begs the question. Why’s he signed for us then😂. Just joking, before I get slaughtered.🙄
No seriously, it’s good to see a home grown player commit to a new contract. I hope that he can get a run in midfield at some point, because it’s there that I believe he could really blossom.👍
You won’t get slaughtered. I love that MLS has committed his future to Arsenal. Unfortunately he won’t achieve his ambition while playing for us.
Arsenal has become Anti-Trophy FC
Top clubs have become too serious about the LFB position as Liverpool brought in Kerkez. City and Chelsea have all rounders in Gvardiol and Cucurella respectively. Udogie for Spurs is decent. Strongman Burn for Newcastle. Our Skelly too young and inexperienced compared to rivals. For me Skelly has a lot to improve to reach their levels including avoiding reckless fouls and cards which might be pencilled in the new contract.
Is there something magical about July 1ST?
I read that the Zubamendi trade has to wait until July 1st at the request of his current club, before being announced.
Should I expect our trade for a goal scorer to be announced on July 1st, or is that trade still a pipe dream?
I cannot believe that we are going to sell Martinelli!!!
I keep hearing he has not been very good over the past two seasons.
That is nobody’s fault but ARTETA!!.
Martinelli was at his best playing alongside Xhaxa. When he left Arteta bought the slow footed Havertz in as a replacement. It is now quite obvious that did not work
But the non-intelligentia amongst the Arsenal supporters are blaming Martinelli.
Keep Martinelli and BUY A top class LEFT FOOTED MIDFIELDER instead!!
Something to do with after July you can put that in your next financial balance sheets and not last years
La Liga financial year starts July 1, Sociedad wants to register it then. We have a good relationship with them that we want to maintain, so are being accommodating.
Yeah and also we agreed to pay a bit more in installments and not just the release clause
Normally you can just pay the clause and trigger it when you want