Arsenal could fight Tottenham for Frank favourite after Zubimendi deal

Norgaard, who signed a new two-year contract in March, is the latest player to be linked with a move away from the Bees after the departure of long-serving head coach Thomas Frank to Spurs.Frank is reportedly keen on reuniting with Norgaard at Tottenham but will face competition from north London rivals Arsenal for his signature.Arsenal have already moved to bring in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi following the departure of Jorginho, who joined Flamengo. But they could need further reinforcements if they fail to agree a new contract with Thomas Partey.Partey’s current deal expires at the end of the month, and while the midfielder reportedly wants to stay at Arsenal, talks have stalled.Failure to agree fresh terms with Partey would leave Arsenal short in midfield, and Norgaard, who enjoyed an excellent season with Brentford, is among those Mikel Arteta may look to target.Read MoreTottenham are also looking for fresh legs in midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both entering the final year of their contracts.Bentancur has proven a dependable option for Spurs since signing from Juventus in 2022 and will likely be offered a new deal this summer.Bissouma’s future is, however, more uncertain, and his departure would leave Frank needing to bring in a replacement.Arsenal’s interest may rest on ParteyWhile Declan Rice has cemented his reputation as a truly world-class midfielder, with domineering performances both domestically and in Europe, Arsenal lack depth in the centre of the park.They have become reliant on Rice’s all-action style to provide energy, especially with fellow midfielder Mikel Merino used as a makeshift false nine this season.With Jorginho having left the club and Partey potentially following, Arteta needs more options to complement Rice, Merino and the incoming Zubimendi.Norgaard is a proven Premier League performer who has displayed excellent leadership qualities since taking over as Brentford’s captain in 2023.Free agent: Arsenal have yet to agree a new contract with Thomas ParteyArsenal FC via Getty ImagesThe Dane has enjoyed arguably his best season in a Brentford shirt, netting five times and providing four assists as the Bees finished just shy of the European places.Arteta wants to fill his team with leaders on and off the pitch, and having lost Jorginho, he will view Norgaard as someone capable of replacing the Italian’s leadership skills, even if only in a supporting role.“The way he’s played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us,” he said.Frank eyes Norgaard reunionFrank’s move to Tottenham has inevitably conjured up plenty of speculation about who will follow him to Hotspur Way.Bryan Mbeumo is admired, while Justin Cochrane (first-team assistant coach), Chris Haslam (head of performance and first-team assistant coach) and Joe Newton (first-team analyst) all joined Frank’s backroom team from Brentford last week.Norgaard, who has known Frank ever since he played under him at youth level for Denmark, is the latest player to be linked with a move to Tottenham and could follow his former head coach to north London if Spurs let either one of Bentancur or Bissouma leave.It appears likely that Bissouma, who started just 16 league games this season, could be one to make way this summer, with Norgaard – ranked eighth for interceptions in the Premier League this term – a more than able replacement for the Mali international.Tottenham are a young squad, particularly in midfield, where teenager Lucas Bergvall shone last season, and Norgaard’s experience will be seen as a huge benefit as Spurs try to navigate their return to the Champions League.Trusted lieutenant: Thomas Frank knows how to get the best from NorgaardGetty ImagesFrank, too, will be looking for some home comforts after leaving Brentford, his only managerial job in England, following seven years at the helm, and there are few players he trusts more than Norgaard.Upon Norgaard signing a new two-year deal at Brentford, Frank praised him as an integral part of the club’s success in the Premier League.”We’ve done quite good in the Premier League in the last four years. He (Norgaard) has been an integral part of it,” he said.Arsenal and Tottenham still have decisions to make regarding players already at the club, but they will view Norgaard and the uncertainty at Brentford following Frank’s departure as a potential opportunity.