Mikel Arteta can look to embarrass Thomas Frank with ambitious Arsenal transfer swoop

Arsenal could look to get one up on new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank just a matter of weeks into his tenure in north London. The Danish boss joined Spurs from Brentford after Ange Postecoglou was sacked earlier this summer, shortly after ending his side's trophy drought.

The Gunners have big plans for the remainder of the transfer window, and if they are able to acquire the services of one of their top targets then it could prove to be a tough pill to swallow for Frank.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are interested in signing Brentford captain Christian Norgaard and have shortlisted him as a top option as they scour the market for reinforcements in midfield.

Jorginho has already left the Gunners this summer, and Thomas Partey's contract extension negotiations with the club are also seriously at risk of collapsing, which would see him depart as a free agent. As a result, replacements are firmly on Mikel Arteta's shopping list.

Norgaard extended his contract with Brentford in March, but the deal has not deterred interest from his suitors - and Arsenal aren't the only side interested in signing the 31-year-old. Tottenham are also interested in the Denmark international, with Frank keen to reunite with his former skipper.

With Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both entering the final 12 months of their contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs may look to cash in on either of the stars to ensure that they do not leave for free next summer.

As a result, Norgaard has been shortlisted as a potential replacement option. Frank has already looked to lean on his connections at Brentford to orchestrate a reshuffle of his recently-inherited Spurs ranks, with Bryan Mbeumo eyed. However, the winger is said to be focused on joining Manchester United as it stands. Yoane Wissa has also been linked.

If Norgaard were to snub a move to Tottenham in favour of joining Arsenal then it would be another disappointing blow for Frank as he gets to grips with his new position, and it could be the ultimate way for Arteta to welcome his new rival to life as part of the North London Derby. However, with so many moving parts in the situation and Partey still in talks with the club, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners make a concrete approach.