New Arsenal signing is already on thin ice before the summer transfer window

Mikel Arteta is going to have some interesting decisions to make this summer as he looks to shape his squad on the back of what he hopes will be a title-winning season.

The Gunners are still in the thick of their title charge, on course to finish level on points with Manchester City, but whether they manage to end their title drought or not, there are going to be some notable exits this summer, and one could be recent signing Christian Norgaard.

Christian Norgaard's Arsenal spell could be short-lived

Given the strength of Arsenal's squad, there aren't too many players, especially starters, who are straight-up replaced because they are deemed as not good enough this summer.

What is much more likely is that current supplementary players who are used to coming off the bench are likely to be offered starting roles elsewhere. To remain at Arsenal or join what is likely to be a lesser standard team will be a tricky decision.

But it's a decision some players are likely to take, given that many players value regular football over playing at the very top level. There is a list of Arsenal players who fall into that category, but near the top of that list is veteran Norgaard, who was brought in ahead of this season following his impressive spell with Brentford.

Norgaard was only ever going to be a supplementary option for Arteta, filling in where needed while adding a senior voice and providing a dose of professionalism around the training ground and dressing room.

The 32-year-old has made just 19 appearances across all competition this season, only six of which have been in the Premier League,, and none of them have been starts.

Norgaard signed up for that role, so there is little blame here. He was never going to displace Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice. But at 32 years of age and with plenty still to give, will Norgaard be willing to stick around and see out the final years of his career on the bench?

The veteran can go elsewhere and be a starter for at least a mid-table Premier League side, or perhaps even be a regular substitute for a team above that level. He is too good to be playing a nothing role, even for a club like Arsenal, and you have to believe Arteta will recognise that and have that conversation with Norgaard this summer.

This will be one to keep an eye on, and if Arsenal decide to add another holding midfielder this summer, the decision will only become more obvious.

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