Experts left baffled by Mikel Arteta signing that simply ‘doesn’t fit into Arsenal’s style’

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Mikel Arteta has been questioned for signing a player who doesn’t fit Arsenal’s style.

Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League after a strong start to the season, and they have been tipped by pundits and players alike to pip champions Liverpool to the title.

They look to have taken another giant leap forward after an eye-catching summer of spending, which saw them splash out over £250million, largely on strengthening their frontline.

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have hit the ground running at the Emirates, but Viktor Gyokeres has been criticised after going six games without a goal.

However, experts believe moving for another recent recruit was an even worse idea.

Agents question Christian Norgaard signing

Indeed, according to football agents, Christian Norgaard isn’t a good match for Arsenal.

Midfielder Norgaard arrived from Brentford in a deal worth an overall £15million but has endured a stop-start campaign after picking up an injury during pre-season.

He has made just one competitive start under Arteta so far, coming in the 2-0 victory against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup, and is competing for places with Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

One agent told The Athletic that Norgaard simply isn’t suitable for Mikel Arteta’s preferred approach.

Another selected Norgaard’s transfer as the most surprising of the summer because of his “age and profile”, adding: “[Bryan] Mbeumo, [Yoane] Wissa and [Mark] Flekken moved – you expect those big hitters (to leave Brentford) because of what they’ve done.

“Norgaard’s been a good player for Brentford. Is he someone who is going to make Arsenal title challengers? Not in my opinion. But he might prove me wrong.”

A third agent was just as shocked by the transfer, especially after a bargain price was agreed. “It’s a bit odd, Brentford let him go for such relatively little money,” they said.

Christian Norgaard wants Denmark return

Norgaard has admitted he has already made up his mind about his next move after he leaves Arsenal.

Speaking to Danish outlet Bold, Norgaard said: “I can guarantee that Arsenal will be my last club abroad.

“I still want to return to Brondby when my contract at Arsenal expires. My contract is two years with an option for a further year.”

The 31-year-old previously spent six years with the Copenhagen club, making 147 appearances in total.