- 9 hours ago
Arsenal prepare €40m bid for Odegaard back-up
Cameron Smith
- 6 Jan 2025 08:00 CST
- 3 min read
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing in-form Brentford midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard as they search for an adequate back-up to Martin Odegaard.
The Denmark international endured a slow start to life in the Premier League, but he has blossomed into a key player for Thomas Frank over the past few months, notching two goals and seven assists in the English top flight so far this season.
Mohamed Salah (13) and Bukayo Saka (10) are the only Premier League players to have registered more assists than Damsgaard this campaign and Spanish outlet Fichajes report that Arsenal are now monitoring his development at Brentford.
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The Gunners sold Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham during the summer transfer window, while Fabio Vieira was loaned back to FC Porto following an underwhelming first two seasons at the Emirates Stadium.
Furthermore, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both set to become free agents this summer, Arsenal are in the market for a new central midfielder and they have reportedly identified Damsgaard as a key target.
Brentford will demand a fee of at least €40 million for the 24-year-old, as per Fichajes, but Arsenal will reportedly step up their interest in the former Sampdoria midfielder before the end of the January transfer window.
READ MORE: Arsenal see surprise bid REJECTED as Arteta seeks first January transfer
Current ETV
Mikkel Damsgaard
M (C)
Brentford
Mikkel Damsgaard
M (C)
Brentford
ETV Range
€7.3M - €12.2M
Arsenal’s January transfer plans
In addition to Damsgaard, Arsenal are also interested in signing a new forward in January, with Athletic Club superstar Nico Williams one of their primary targets following Saka’s recent injury setback.
FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal remain in discussions to purchase the Spain international this year, however we have been informed that a move for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford is currently unlikely.
Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Mateo Retegui are also being watched by Mikel Arteta’s side, while the Gunners have reportedly seen an opening offer for Igor Jesus turned down by Brazilian giants Botafogo.
