Arsenal

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We asked for your views on whether Christian Norgaard is what Arsenal need and whether he'd be a good replacement for Thomas Partey if he leaves the club.

Here are some of your comments:

David: Not sure about this move. Feel that we need a more defensive player to take over from Partey and that might not be Norgaard. However, if Zubimedi comes in then I'd be happy to see Norgaard come over.

Andrew: What is the point of getting Norgaard, if Partey cannot be persuaded to stay (who is more versatile)? I thought Zubimendi was all but signed so Norgaard would be a bench warmer anyway. Waste of £10m.

Ed: We've lost Jorginho and will probably lose Partey, so he will be a good backup to have in the squad.

Olly: Norgaard would be a great, cheap Jorginho replacement who would allow us to spend more on a striker.

Michael: They always want it cheap. This is the undoing of this club. Partey has been phenomenal, why not extend his contract? They'd rather go for something less, and ironically want to get greater results. Trophies will elude this team until they begin to do something different!

Mason: I can see what Arteta is trying to do here. He's just lost Jorginho who's 33 and now could be losing Partey who is 32. Norgaard isn't the most exciting player to bring in, but he would be an older member of the squad with plenty of experience and wisdom that the younger players can look up to. You can't always have a squad of young players, it just wouldn't work.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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BBC Sport understands that Seville midfielder Lucien Agoume also features prominently on Arsenal's list of targets to replace Thomas Partey.

Crucially, however, it is understood that Mikel Arteta has identified Christian Norgaard as the midfielder he wants because he prefers a Premier League ready player.

Club-to-club discussions over Norgaard have accelerated in the last 24 hours, while it is understood the Denmark international is keen to join Arteta's side.

Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport journalist

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have declared an interest in taking Brentford captain Christian Norgaard to the Emirates, with an initial fee of £10m being mentioned.

Norgaard was linked with a reunion with former manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham earlier this summer and his record shows why he is highly regarded by the top teams.

The 31-year-old has just completed his sixth successive season at Gtech Community Stadium, including all four of the Bees' Premier League campaigns.

Since his top-flight debut in 2021, Norgaard has made 201 interceptions - the most of any Premier League player during this period - while he also ranks second overall for recoveries (844) and third for tackles won (189).

He is not necessarily renowned for goalscoring, but six goals in 2024-25 was also the best return of his entire 14-year professional career.

Norgaard could effectively replace Thomas Partey in Arsenal's midfield. Contract talks with the Ghana international, who joined the Gunners for £45m from Atletico Madrid in 2020, have reached an impasse, with Partey's current deal due to expire in July.

While Norgaard offers his own well of experience, it would not be a like-for-like replacement: Partey offers more dynamism carrying the ball in central areas, whereas Norgaard is more of a traditional six, screening for danger in front of Brentford's defence.

As a result, Partey's average carrying stats comfortably surpass those of the Dane, while Norgaard is more prolific at breaking up opposition attacks.

What Arsenal may lose should Partey depart this summer is a degree of versatility. He made 14 appearances at right-back last season, whereas Norgaard's all came in midfield.

Norgaard has occasionally played on the right of midfield, or in central defence, in the Premier League for Brentford, but he has never started a top-flight game at full-back.

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With Arsenal interested in Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard amid uncertainty over Thomas Partey's future, we want your views on the situation.

Sources have indicated that the Gunners are exploring a deal worth an initial £10m, with a possible £5m in performance related add-ons.

Midfielder Partey has been in talks over a new deal, but has so far failed to reach an agreement over an extension. His contract expires next week.

In Norgaard, 31, Arsenal would be bringing in a player with experience that they would be losing in 32-year-old Partey - who was a key figure in a number of games in 2024-25, including crucial Champions League fixtures.

What do you make of this potential deal? Is Norgaard what the Gunners need? Would he be a good replacement for Partey?

Get in touch with your thoughts here

Newcastle are willing to make 25-year-old Sweden striker Alexander Isak the best-paid player in the club's history to ward off interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona. (Times - subscription required), external

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Arsenal have expressed an interest in 22-year-old Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, who is also wanted by Liverpool and Bayern Munich. (L'Equipe - in French, subscription required), external

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Arsenal could back out of a £70m deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 22, because of the Slovenia international's wage demands, with Sporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, a back-up option. (Mirror), external

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Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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An imminent new contract and a place on the shortlist for PFA Young Player of the Season are reward for Myles Lewis-Skelly's breakout season with Arsenal and England.

The 18-year-old was a ball-carrying central midfielder in Arsenal's academy but has excelled at left-back, with licence to step into midfield, since making his first Premier League start in December.

Lewis-Skelly's running power and physical strength are among his key attributes. He was only dribbled past once in the Premier League, the best record of any player to have made at least 15 starts. He also won the most duels (six) per 90 minutes and ranked third for fouls won (3.1) per 90.

His background as a midfielder is evidenced by a 93.6% pass accuracy, the fifth-highest figure in the division among all players to have featured for at least 1,000 minutes during 2024-25.

As England head coach Thomas Tuchel said after giving Lewis-Skelly his first England call-up in March, "he's nothing but impressive".

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Spanish football journalist Roberto Ramajo says a Premier League move could help Martin Zubimendi develop his game to become one of the world's best.

The Spaniard would arrive at Arsenal with plenty of experience under his belt, including over 200 games of Spanish football and more than 30 matches in European competition.

"Zubimendi isn't a 10 at anything, but he's an eight at everything," Ramajo told BBC Sport.

"In the Premier League, he can develop into a 10 at everything. The future belongs to him, because his ability to adapt and learn is very high.

"Martin has very good tactical ability; he knows how to occupy space on the pitch almost perfectly, and he reads his team's needs very well. He has fantastic reading of the game because he's very intelligent without the ball. I know he's hailed with the ball, but I like him better off it.

"His style can quickly adapt to the needs of the Premier League, and it can help him establish himself definitively among the elite of our continent's most important players, even if it means saying goodbye to one of the most talented players Real Sociedad's youth system has ever produced."

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The Professional Footballers' Association has announced its shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, with six standout Premier League performers in the running.

Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister are joined by Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Salah continued his remarkable consistency for Liverpool, while Mac Allister impressed in his second season at Anfield.

Isak's clinical finishing helped Newcastle to a strong league campaign, and Fernandes remained a creative force despite United's mixed form.

Rice was pivotal in Arsenal's push in the league and Europe, and Palmer continued to show great form at Stamford Bridge with a series of match-winning displays.

The winner, voted for by fellow professionals, will be announced later this summer.

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Following recent rumours that Viktor Gyokeres has 'threatened to go on strike' to secure a move away from Sporting CP, we asked you if this behaviour would put you off signing him for Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Nigel: If Gyokeres is doing that, it sends a message - he wants to play for a bigger club and he won't be held to ransom, ironically by holding his incumbent club to ransom. It also tells me he wants to be part of Arsenal and that's the kind of player we want - someone who will fight for the badge. I'd drive to Portugal to pick him up if it gets him here quicker.

Nick: Never a good indicator of attitude for me and not an attitude of someone I'd want to see in an Arsenal shirt. Keep your head down, work hard and be confident that your football will do the talking for you and get you the rewards you deserve.

Guy: It isn't a problem for Arsenal. They need to capitalise on this uncertainty and actually get the player. He is a better goal scorer than Sesko and that should be the priority of getting a striker. If he comes in and bangs in 20+ goals as a mercenary, then in a couple of years wants to move on that's fine. We need a trophy this year and he seems like the best way to get one.

Alex: Apparently Trossard behaved similarly when trying to secure his move from Brighton, and has been an important member of the squad since. Personally, I wouldn't read too much into this kind of behaviour. Players do what they need to do to advance their careers.

Mark: The situation with Gyokeres is unacceptable. It's gone on far too long and if Arsenal were serious they would have tied up the deal by now. He has showed total disrespect to his club and I wouldn't want that sort of player at the Emirates. Move on and find another quality player.

John: If he's had a verbal agreement with the club that they'll let him go this summer, then he's quite entitled to feel frustrated. They should let him go at a reasonable price.

Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke, 23, is on the radar of a host of clubs this summer, including Arsenal. (Telegraph - subscription needed), external

Sporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, is edging closing to joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United. (Talksport), external

Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, 22, wants a release clause in his contract if he is to join Arsenal from RB Leipzig this summer. (The Transfers Podcast), external

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, is expected to leave Arsenal on 30 June as negotiations over a new deal are at standstill. (ESPN), external

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Arsenal assistant coach Carlos Cuesta has paid tribute to "incredible leader" Mikel Arteta as he prepares to leave the club after a five-year spell.

Cuesta arrived at the Emirates back in 2020, taking on the role of first-team assistant coach, but he is now expected to accept his first managerial role at Serie A club Parma.

The Spaniard confirmed his departure on Instagram, ahead of his reported move to Italy, adding that the club has a "very exciting" future under Arteta.

"After five beautiful years it is hard to put this into words," Cuesta wrote. "But I can only express how grateful I am for having lived my day-to-day with such special people and feel what it means to represent this football club.

"I'm convinced that the best moments for this football club are still yet to come. Enjoy this journey because it is a very exciting one."

In a separate Instagram post about Mikel Arteta, Cuesta added: "To the person that made it happen, thank you.

"Thank you for your trust, for giving me the opportunity to be next to you and for showing me with constant facts the meaning of the word 'courage'.

"But more than that, thank you for being an incredible coach, an incredible leader and an even better human being.

"You've taught me a lot and I will carry it always with me."

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Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly is reportedly very close to signing a new long-term contract at the club which is set to make him one of the best-paid youngsters in world football.

It follows the 18-year old's rise to prominence last season, with his senior debut coming in the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad in September. His first Premier League start came against Everton in December.

In January, head coach Mikel Arteta confirmed Lewis-Skelly had "never played as a full-back" prior to his inclusion in the first team but he made the left-back position his own with his intelligence, ability on the ball and combative style.

He occasionally crossed the line and collected two red cards - one versus Wolves and the other against West Ham - but in the Premier League last season no Arsenal player won more duels per 90 minutes than Lewis-Skelly.

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Arsenal have been linked with Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres consistently in recent months, and now reports claim that the striker has threatened to go on strike, if the Portuguese side don't lower their demands in order to force a move through.

If it's true, that the 27-year-old is in fact refusing to cooperate with his current club, is that a player who you still want brought into your squad? Or do you think his terms are fair?

Is attitude regarded as highly as talent and output?

Send us your thoughts here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Arsenal have identified Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres as the striker they want to lead the line next season, BBC Sport's Alex Howell reported this week– but how do they compare?

Aged 27, Gyokeres is already in his prime and scored 39 goals in 33 league appearances as Sporting were crowned champions in 2024-25 – three times as many as Sesko netted in the same amount of games for RB Leipzig.

Gyokeres was a goal machine last term, outperforming his expected goals by more than eight and scoring with 28.1% of his efforts. The Swede, who benefits from playing for a dominant side in a league not quite as strong as the Bundesliga, had a mammoth 327 touches in the opposition box and adopted a shoot-on-sight policy, registering 139 efforts on goal, equivalent to one every 20 minutes.

Sesko, 22, had to be more patient as Leipzig ended seventh, missing out on European qualification. He had a shot every 35 minutes, while his tally of 68 attempts overall ranked him only 16th in the Bundesliga.

However, in both of his seasons with the club he has shown early signs of being an elite finisher. He overperformed his expected goals total by 6.3 in 2023-24 and by 3.1 in the most recent campaign, in which he converted a healthy 19.1% of his chances.

One area where the Slovenia forward has an edge is in the air. Standing close to 6ft 5in tall, Sesko contested far more aerial duels last season than 6ft 2in Gyokeres and won 57.4% of them. Despite his big frame, he is surprisingly quick, recording a top speed of 35.7 km/h in the season just gone, placing him among a handful of the Bundesliga's quickest attacking players.

That unusual combination gives him a high ceiling and explains why Leipzig reportedly want €100m (£85.5m) for their prize asset.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford is perhaps the most eye-catching fixture on the opening weekend of the 2025-26 Premier League season.

It will be just the second time the two sides have faced each other in the opening game of a domestic league campaign.

The last time they did so, the Red Devils were comfortable 4-1 winners in 1989-90, with Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes among the scorers that day for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

It is also only the fourth time the two teams will contest a league fixture in August, with United winning the previous three - including the famous 8-2 thrashing in 2011.

Coincidentally, it is the ninth consecutive season Manchester United have kicked off their campaign at home.

The last time they travelled away for an opening day fixture was in 2016-17, when Jose Mourinho's side won 3-1 at Bournemouth.

Arsenal and Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres, 27, has refused to have clear-the-air talks with Sporting and threatened to go on strike as he tries to force through a move from the Portuguese club. (Mirror), external

Brentford have put a £50m price tag on striker Yoane Wissa, with the 28-year-old DR Congo international a target for Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, Gunners full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is close to signing a new contract that will make the 18-year-old England international one of the best-paid young players in the world. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Finally, assistant manager Carlos Cuesta is set to leave Arsenal to take his first head coach role at Serie A side Parma. (Guardian), external

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Following the release of the 2025-26 Premier League fixtures, we asked you to have your say on how the schedule has fallen and where Arsenal might be after 10 games.

Here are some of your comments:

Minwoo: Manchester United away (first game!), Liverpool away, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at home (back to back!) and then Newcastle away - all in the first two months! A real test from the get-go and will show where the squad is at. A make-or-break start.

Vince: Go in with confidence and we could be top after 10 games. The alternative doesn't bear speculating on.

David: We will be top after 10 games. Then fade away.

Paul: A tough set of six games to open with so we should have a good idea of how the season is going to go for us by the end of September.

Eric: Once again, it looks like the dice have been loaded against us. Has any other club been given a harder set of fixtures to open the season? An absolute joke. Looks like we could be out of the running by the end of September.

John: Provided we get the right signings, there is every chance that we will be in the top two again. Centre-forward/striker is a big priority though.

Opta has ranked the difficulty of each top-flight team's first five Premier League fixtures of the 2025-26 season.

According to Opta's model, Manchester United have the hardest start, followed by their opening-weekend opponents Arsenal and then Bournemouth.

Aston Villa's first five games have been ranked the easiest, alongside Crystal Palace.

Take a look below to see where your side places...