Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchinson believes that Arsenal have performed a masterstroke in their midfield rebuild. The Gunners have made signing midfielders their first priority with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard arriving as part of their overhaul.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho both left Arsenal at the end of last season as free agents, and their direct replacements are now settling in north London in pre-season.

Zubimendi had been tipped to join a top Premier League outfit for several seasons, but the quick-fire acquisition of Norgaard from Brentford for £10million - plus add-ons - did raise some eyebrows. However, Hutchinson believes that the Danish international has plenty to offer both on and off the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.

He told bestbettingsites.com: "I don't think it's a bad move at all. I see lots of reasons why Mikel Arteta will have done it. It's not exactly the same of course, but Gerard Houllier pulled off a masterstroke when he brought in Garry MacAllister at about 35, but he added great knowledge, good experience, still had ability.

"Norgaard has all that too, he's exceptional. Any player from Brentford under Thomas Frank could slot in at top teams and do their job well.

"I think for him he's not going to want to be a squad player, but with Martin Zubimendi coming in, he'll be aware that he's not going to play every game. He definitely won't start every game, at least, and he's not going to kick up a stink if he's left out."

Hutchinson added that Norgaard will be aware of his remit at Arsenal; that he will be a rotational option rather than one of the first names on the team sheet as he was at Brentford. He said: "He knows Norgaard has a great character and with the number of games coming up, he'll know he'll get plenty of games with all the cups and European matches.

"Arteta will be looking at his squad knowing he can't lose many from his squad, so he's not just adding Zubimendi, he's adding depth and character."

Liverpool will be watching on to see how Zubimendi copes in the Premier League through gritted teeth, having been snubbed by the Spaniard last summer after he looked set to be Arne Slot's first signing of his tenure at Anfield.