The Arsenal dressing room will be an interesting place come the start of pre-season should the Gunners sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford.
Mikel Arteta has already strengthened his midfield this summer following the signing of Martin Zubimendi, which is yet to be formally announced, but the departure of Jorginho and likely exit of Thomas Partey means further reinforcements are required.
Arsenal have launched an £9.3million bid for Norgaard, 31, who as two years left on his current contract.
The Denmark international has been a key component of a Brentford side that established itself as a Premier League club under Thomas Frank.
Norgaard has also been linked with a move Tottenham, who earlier this month confirmed Frank as their new manager following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.
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Should the former Fioerentina midfielder join Arsenal, he will come face-to-face with a player who accused him of trying to break his leg as recently asApril.
The pair were involved in a heated confrontation during the first half of a heated Premier League game when Norgaard stopped a promising break by chopping down Martinelli who was in full flow.
Norgaard escaped with a yellow card for a challenge that left Martinelli livid with the Brazilian particularly aggrieved given the tackle could have left him with an injury that would have ruled him out of a Champions League quarter final second leg at the Bernabeu a few days later.
‘I didn’t see that again but in the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg,’ Martinelli said when asked about the incident in the immediate aftermath of a 1-1 draw.
‘He [Norgaard] said he didn’t mean it. I believe him but still he could have broke my leg. For me it was red.
‘I need to see it again to be sure. But for me it was nasty.’
What sort of player is Christian Norgaard?
While Norgaard might not represent the superstar signing many Arsenal fans are craving, but he offers a huge amount of experience and Premier League knowhow.
With Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard likely to form Arteta’s first choice midfield next season, there is not need for Arsenal to spend so lavishly, especially given they also have the likes of Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri to call upon.
Norgaard signed his current deal in March and the esteem in which he is held by Frank was clear from his reaction to that show of commitment.
‘This new contract was a no-brainer for us and Christian,’ said Frank at the time.
‘Christian has been an integral part of the fantastic journey we have been on these past six years. He is our club captain and one of our most important players.
‘His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch.
‘And he has picked up his goal threat this season! The first time I coached Christian, he was a No.10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. I’m very happy.
‘Hopefully we can continue to be successful together with Christian leading the team.’