In a significant development during the January transfer window, Dutch football giants Ajax have identified Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard as a potential target. This strategic pivot comes after Manchester United firmly rebuffed Ajax's initial loan proposal for their £42 million midfielder, Manuel Ugarte.
Midfield Reinforcements Sought
Ajax are actively seeking to bolster their squad with a new defensive midfielder, a crucial number six role. Their admiration for Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte is well-documented, but the Uruguayan has struggled to consistently display the form that prompted his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024.
According to reports from De Telegraaf, having seen their loan bid for Ugarte knocked back, the Amsterdam club has now shifted its focus towards alternative options. Among these is Arsenal's Danish international, Christian Norgaard, despite the player having only joined the Gunners from Brentford in the previous summer.
Norgaard's Limited Role at Arsenal
Christian Norgaard has found first-team opportunities scarce at the Emirates Stadium, particularly with Arsenal performing strongly in the Premier League title race. His contributions this season have been minimal:
- Just three substitute appearances in the Premier League.
- Deployed as an emergency centre-back in domestic cup competitions.
This lack of regular minutes has placed his future under scrutiny, making him a plausible target for clubs seeking experienced reinforcements.
Arsenal's Stance and Other Ajax Targets
Despite Ajax's interest, Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to entertain the idea of a mid-season departure for Norgaard. The Gunners are challenging on multiple fronts for silverware, and manager Mikel Arteta has recently praised the Dane, describing him as one of the best trainers at the club.
Should a move for Norgaard prove unfeasible, Ajax are considering other experienced midfield enforcers. Potential alternatives include:
- Wataru Endo of Liverpool.
- Edson Alvarez of West Ham United.
Parallel Exit: Zinchenko's Imminent Departure
In a related development, Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko appears poised for a permanent exit to Ajax. The Ukraine international, who joined Nottingham Forest on loan last summer, has also struggled for regular game time.
The Sun reports that Zinchenko has already bid farewell to teammates at both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, with his transfer to Amsterdam drawing closer. Ajax are prepared to offer him a fresh start to revitalise his career.
Youth Movement: Nwaneri's Loan Switch
Further illustrating Arsenal's January window activity, talented teenager Ethan Nwaneri is set for a loan move. The highly-rated youngster travelled to Marseille this week to finalise a switch to Roberto De Zerbi's side, gaining valuable first-team experience away from North London.
This flurry of activity underscores the dynamic nature of the mid-season transfer market, with clubs across Europe manoeuvring to strengthen their squads for the crucial second half of the campaign.
