Former England striker Gabby Agbonlahor has raised doubts over Arsenal’s decision to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford, describing the transfer as unusual and questioning why the club did not instead retain Thomas Partey.
The deal for Norgaard, valued at around £9 million, is expected to be finalised soon with a medical scheduled in the coming days.
Agbonlahor, who has Nigerian heritage, voiced his concerns on talkSPORT, expressing confusion over the club’s strategy.
Norgaard, 31, is being brought in to fill the void left by Partey, whose contract with Arsenal expires this month.
Agbonlahor, however, believes Arsenal’s approach lacks logic, especially considering Partey’s proven value.
“He’s an OK player. I get it for value, he’s a decent player, but you’re losing Thomas Partey. It just seems a bit odd,” Agbonlahor said.
“You’re paying £9 million for Norgaard—just give it to Partey as the difference in wages he’s asking for. Why not just give it to him? You know what he can do. It’s very odd.”
The ex-Aston Villa captain went further, comparing Arsenal’s transfer activity to that of their rivals. “Arsenal don’t seem to be shopping in the top shops like Manchester City and Liverpool. They’re shopping at Waitrose, Arsenal are at Asda.”
Agbonlahor added that Arsenal’s midfield signings seem reactive rather than strategic.
“I get it, Jorginho’s gone and you need cover, but I’m sure Arsenal fans are looking at Liverpool spending £116m on Florian Wirtz and the money Man City are spending and thinking, ‘Come on, we don’t mind Norgaard coming in, but we need a top striker’.”
