Declan Rice defended Arsenal transfer target after 'leg breaker' tackle infuriated team-mate

Arsenal have made a £9.3million offer for Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard, just months after the midfielder's controversial challenge on Gabriel Martinelli was defended by Declan Rice.

The north London side are seeking to bolster their midfield options during this summer's transfer market, with Norgaard emerging as a shrewd addition to enhance their squad depth.

Football London understands that the Danish international has become a fresh target for Arsenal in light of Jorginho's move to Flamengo on a free transfer and Thomas Partey's potential exit looming on the horizon.

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However, should the transfer go through, it may cause some awkwardness, given the previous altercation between Norgaard and Martinelli in April.

In a Premier League match that ended level at the Emirates, Norgaard's strong challenge on the Brazilian was met with angry protests from Mikel Arteta and the home crowd.

The incident saw referee Simon Hooper hand Norgaard a yellow card, despite calls for a harsher punishment following a VAR review. Post-match reactions saw a clearly aggrieved Martinelli criticise the tackle when speaking with Sky Sports.

He said: "I didn't see that again but in the moment, if my foot was on the floor, he could break my leg. He [Norgaard] said he didn't mean it. I believe him but still he could have broke my leg. For me it was red. I need to see it again to be sure. But for me it was nasty."

Arteta expressed his feelings about the contentious incident, adding: "My reaction says everything."

Norgaard confirmed later that his apology to Martinelli was accepted, and current Arsenal star Declan Rice backed up his point that there was no intention behind the tackle. The Brentford skipper said: "He accepted my apology and shook my hand.

"He thought the tackle was maybe harder than I did, but he was fine and [Declan] Rice as well - he said it's part of football, you try and make these tackles to stop transitions and there was no evil intention in the challenge. Looking back at it, maybe it was a bit harder than I wanted it to be, but I would never set out to hurt a player intentionally.

"Sometimes you end up in situations like I did with Jordan Pickford at Everton, where I got a straight red card (which was overturned), but it was never intentional."

Arteta will no doubt be hoping that this episode won't cause any issues with Norgaard keen on a move to Arsenal.

With two years remaining on his Brentford contract, Norgaard remains an influential figure in midfield, particularly under former manager Thomas Frank. With Frank at the helm of Tottenham Hotspur now, and Norgaard potentially eyeing a move to Arsenal, talks are said to be ongoingbetween the clubs for a transfer arrangement.

Norgaard could potentially join the incoming Martin Zubimendi, who is reportedly on his way to north London from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have agreed terms with the Basque club, and the Spain international looks set to join the club soon in a £55million deal.

With Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino already in place at the Emirates Stadium, both Zubimendi and Norgaard will be joining a stacked midfield next season as Arteta goes in search of that elusive Premier League crown.