Ajax plot move for Arsenal misfit after Manchester United reject offer for £42m star

Ajax are considering a move for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard after their loan offer for Manchester United misfit Manuel Ugarte was rejected.

According to De Telegraaf, The Dutch club are keen to sign a new No.6 before the January transfer window closes and are considering a number of experienced alternatives to Ugarte, who is still wanted at Old Trafford despite his indifferent form since a £42million move from PSG 18 months ago.

Norgaard, meanwhile, joined the Gunners from Brentford in the summer but has been used sparingly by Mikel Arteta over the course of the first half of the campaign.

The 31-year-old was primarily signed to replace the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey but has found opportunities hard to come by as a consequence of Martin Zubimendi’s form and availability.

Indeed, the Denmark international has made only three substitute appearances in the Premier League, while he has been asked to play several games in an unfamiliar role at centre-half in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Arteta has spoken effusively of Norgaard’s impact on his squad, despite his lack of game time, and recently described him as the best trainer at the club.

Arsenal are unlikely to sanction Norgaard’s departure, especially in the wake of their decision to allow teenager Ethan Nwaneri the chance to join Marseille on loan for the rest of the campaign.

Nwaneri will be joined at the Orange Velodrome by Quinten Timber, the brother of Arsenal teammate Jurrien and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has effectively ‘confirmed’ the double deal is done after revealing both players could make their debuts on Saturday.

‘As far as Timber and Nwaneri, they are two strong players and I’m really happy to have them in the squad,’ the Marseille boss told reporters.

‘These are two quality players, for sure. Timber also has experience and Nwaneri has talent, he is a very high potential player.’

Arteta was asked about Nwaneri’s situation after his side’s 3-1 win over Inter at San Siro on Tuesday night and admitted a move could suit all parties.

He said: ‘I don’t know, We’ll have a discussion this week. Obviously he’s not having the minutes that probably he deserves as well and he needs at his age.

‘We will address the situation and see what is best.

‘Let’s see. We have to sit down and discuss how we want to move that forward.’