The wait for a new centre-forward continues to drag on, but Arsenal’s summer transfer activity is now in full swing, with Brentford’s Christian Norgaard all but confirmed to be the next addition of the Mikel Arteta regime.
This shock, swift deal for the 31-year-old Dane – which will likely cost in the region of £15m, including add-ons – has come as a bolt from the blue, in truth, with the Gunners targeting a Premier League proven replacement for the departed Jorginho, alongside the reportedly departing Thomas Partey.
At a time when supporters are almost begging for new reinforcements to pep up the forward line, the arrival of the defensive midfielder is not exactly the most glamorous or exciting of moves. That said, increasing the strength in depth in the centre of the pitch is nothing to be sniffed at.
Indeed, the north London side have seemingly already bolstered their midfield ranks with the capture of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the Euro 2024 winner set to move to the Emirates as a matter of when and not if.
Formerly a leading target for Liverpool, before turning down the Reds, the 26-year-old has been the centre of a drawn-out saga across the last 12 months or so, with it yet to be seen if the Spaniard will indeed live up to the billing.
The hope will be that those moves are just the start of a hectic window for Arteta and co, with even more eye-catching deals reportedly being lined up.
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An already impressive defensive unit – which shipped just 34 Premier League goals last season – could be strengthened even further over the coming months, if Arteta gets his way, with a handful of standout targets having already emerged.
Recent speculation has indicated that the Gunners could well be in the mix for Crystal Palace and England star, Marc Guehi, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the ex-Chelsea man – who has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal – would be willing to battle it out with Gabriel and William Saliba for a starting berth.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, Arteta’s love of a versatile asset could see Arsenal’s interest in a certain Jorrel Hato be ramped up in the near future, with journalist Graeme Bailey providing the latest on their pursuit of the Ajax starlet.
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The transfer insider has outlined that while it is Chelsea who are “pushing hard” to sign the teenage Dutchman, it is those at the Emirates who are quietly confident of striking a deal instead for what is a long-term target:
“Arsenal see Hato as the perfect addition to the left side of their defence, but obviously it’s far from a done deal. We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in.
“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well. There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”
Reportedly valued at around £40m, amid such mounting interest, the 19-year-old would represent a truly standout capture for the north Londoners this summer.
Why Hato could be a bigger coup than Zubimendi
In the case of Zubimendi, the impending £51m arrival will certainly add touch of silk and steel to Arsenal’s midfield ranks, having notably ranked in the top 19% of LaLiga midfielders in 2024/25 for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, as well is in the top 14% for interceptions per 90. In essence, he is an effective performer both in and out of possession.
That was evident during Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal, in particular, having notably opened the scoring in that 2-2 draw, while also producing a stunning surging run from deep at one stage to tee up Isco.
More than a safe and steady number six then, the Basque sensation will be a real asset over the coming years in the capital, with excitement brewing over the partnership he can strike up with Declan Rice next season.
For all that positivity, any deal for the aforementioned Hato would surely eclipse that move, with it likely to represent a truly sizeable coup if Arsenal can beat Chelsea to the signing of a player with “immense quality”, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.
As Kulig also noted, the flexible defender – who can operate at centre-back or left-back – has already racked up over 100 appearances (111) for Ajax despite having yet to turn 20. For comparison, Zubimendi didn’t make his LaLiga debut until he had already turned 20.
Equally too, Hato has already matched Zubimendi’s tally of nine assists at senior level to date, despite making 125 fewer appearances for his current side.
Described by Kulig as “one of the most exciting left-footed centre-backs in world football”, the teenage titan notably enjoyed a particularly impressive 2024/25 campaign, having registered two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie from his defensive berth.
Games (starts)
31 (30)
36 (33)
Goals
2
2
Assists
6
1
Big chances created
6
1
Key passes*
0.6
0.5
Pass accuracy*
90%
84%
Tackles*
1.9
2.0
Interceptions*
0.7
1.2
Dribbled past*
0.3
0.4
Possession lost*
8.3
10.0
Again, for comparison, Zubimendi – despite operating slightly further forward than his young counterpart – chipped in with just two goals and one assist, with the La Roja star also falling behind with regard to pass completion, big chances created and key passes.
Yes, the difference in quality between the two leagues is certainly a factor – with Spain’s top-flight deemed to be the fourth-best in the world – yet it can’t be overlooked just what Hato is able to offer, even when operating in the backline.
With the potential for the Netherlands U21 international to be a fixture of Arsenal’s defence for a decade or so too, considering his age, this is certainly a deal worth pursuing.
Priorities, in the eyes of supporters, may lie elsewhere, but if the Gunners want to committ to enjoying long-term success, than a figure like Hato could be just the solution.
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