I think he's quite an underrated player and I think it's a shrewd signing. Not a flashy name, but he's got experience of being an ever-present in Brentford's midfield, been at the heart of a lot of the success Brentford have had, and has some great qualities. I can see why Arteta likes him, despite him being 31. We're also losing two experienced PL midfielders in Jorginho and Partey, so makes sense to get another experienced midfielder in who is reliable fitness wise. Especially with it being Zubimendi's debut season with us and maybe needing a bit of time to acclimatise. Going back to Norgaard, his passing accuracy is a concern (82%), but maybe you have to put it into context of playing in a Brentford side that encourages direct play and long balls. He's also not got the most nimble feet when under pressure. But he's got a good engine, made the 2nd most interceptions and clearances from a midfielder last season, covers lots of ground, good at aerial duels and is a threat from set-pieces also. He also allows us to rotate in the middle of the park. I still think we need a real chance creator/transition threat in the middle, but I think Arteta prefers 'control first' type players, so I don't think we'll get one. But overall, Zubimendi and Norgaard are an upgrade on the 2025 versions of Partey and Jorginho, yes.
I know it's not been officially announced, but literally every reliable journalist out there has said it's done and that he's signed the paperwork. Fabrizio Romano, David Ornstein, Sami Mokbel, Ben Jacobs, Charles Watts etc - all said it's been signed and will be announced early July. I get you can never be 100% sure until the clubs have publicly stated so, but it would be a major, major shock if we're basing it off the reports and the fact that all the reputable journalists are saying that the relevant paperwork is done.
Hmm.. I have to say I’m not convinced at all. But Arteta clearly rates him, so I’m willing to see how it works out. I think losing Partey is a big blow personally
One of my gripes with Partey last season was his off the ball work. He wasn't great at defending transitions and also didn't always bust a gut to get back when we turned over possession. Norgaard would resolve that problem, as he's superb OOP. My biggest question mark is whether he has the technical security and passing accuracy that we would need from a player in that position.
I was always on the Sesko bandwagon but I'm actually hoping we sign Gyokeres at this point. The guy has ignored all interest from Manchester United and Juventus and by all accounts is only interested in Arsenal. I feel like, If we sign him he'll work his socks off for us.
Rumours that Al Nasser are about to offer 75m for Martinelli - and Berta/Arteta are prepared to let him go in order to fund a Rodrygo bid. Dunno how I feel about this. It's true in the last two Seasons Martinelli has failed to live up to the potential he has. In 2022/23 he scored 15 goals and we all expected him to push on to the next level..but he just hasn't done that.
I'm actually quite upset by this. It's the right decision, as the guy is too injury prone and apparently isn't even due back from current injury until end of 2025. However, he was a fantastic footballer when fit and injuries have robbed him of his potential. Not many players are comfortable playing across the entire back four and performing to a high level every time. He had a unique profile and it's hard to find players of his ilk. On a human level, I'm upset too because he is such a good guy and is always so humble and hard working. He takes a lot of pride in his performances, so I can't imagine how difficult it's been for him while being at Arsenal. I'm sure Saliba will be sad too, as Tomiyasu is one of his best friends. I hope he can resurrect his career and find happiness again. Good luck to him. I'm sorry it didn't work out the way it should have, Tomi.
That he's been charged the moment he left Arsenal says your club knew he was guilty all along and have been protecting him. It's corrupt as ****.
Maybe not legally, but as I said previously, there were leaked documents from one of the girls who he is alleged to have raped and it showed how he got away with it on a technicality. I remember at the time, I went to check what the girl was saying when people were asking who was involved in the case and what she'd said checked out. She even broke the terms of her NDA. And Partey's PR team were working hard to suspend/ban her social media accounts online. Also, the fact the CPS have decided to charge him really doesn't reflect well on him. Footballers probably get accused of all sorts all the time, but the fact they have found sufficient evidence to charge him on FIVE counts of rape and a further sexual assault? Baring in mind sexual assault and rape is extremely difficult to prove? Yeah, whether he's officially found guilty or not, I wouldn't want a man associated with this behaviour anywhere near the club. Which makes it all the more infuriating that we were contemplating giving him a new contract.
He's not been found guilty of anything yet. `Its funny that British working class football fans often complain about cancel culture and these kind of things ..then will also act like Arsenal should have treated Partey like he was guilty before he was even trialled.
Zubimendi done please log in to view this image https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0m88ml0x7mo
"Amidst the battle between Arsenal and Al Nassr, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly re-entered the Rodrygo race, after being linked with him last summer." If PSG manage to sign Rodrygo ahead of us - I would push hard for Barcola. They can't start them all.
Yeah I can’t see PSG going for Rodrygo with Barcola ahead of him. And I can’t see Rodrygo being happy being back up to Barcola when the reason he’s looking to leave real is to get more first team action.
