Arsenal did not sign Lucien Agoume for this reason

Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoume due to the stance of sporting director Andrea Berta, according to The Athletic.

The Gunners recruited Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to bolster the midfield department this summer after the free transfers of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Arsenal had their sights on landing Agoume after Partey's exit, but Berta preferred an over-ready and experienced replacement for the Ghana international.

As a result, he chose to secure a transfer deal for Brentford captain Norgaard due to his Premier League track record and leadership skills at the west London outfit.

Norgaard featured prominently for the Gunners during pre-season, but he has yet to make his debut, having picked up a minor injury.

The 31-year-old could make his debut for the club when they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the Emirates.

Zubimendi is an undisputed starter in the number six role, but Norgaard could be called up from the bench if the situation requires.