Arsenal have signed Danish midfielder, Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a £15m deal.
Arsenal held initial negotiations with Thomas Partey over a new contract but once discussions broke down, the Gunners moved promptly to sign Norgaard as the Ghana international’s replacement in a £15m deal; consisting of an initial £10m fee and £5m in add-ons.
Norgaard has signed a two-year contract with the North London club until June 2027 with option for a further year and will wear the number 16 shirt.
“You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,” explained Norgaard on what it means to join Arsenal and play Champions League football.
“I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.
“Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.”
Norgaard also spoke of his style of play’s development over his career as he revealed his belief that all teams need a solid “defensive structure” to its play.
“It’s developed a little bit over the years. I started as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder. It’s important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.
“Then coming off a season where I’ve had a lot of goal involvements, it’s something I really hope I can take into this season as well.
“I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me, but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play.”
Manager, Mikel Arteta added: “We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad.
“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance. Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career.”
Norgaard began his career in his home country, Denmark, with BK Heimdal, Espergærde IF and Lyngby, before he moved to Hamburger SV in early 2013 but he struggled to settle in Germany and joined Brondby just months later where he scored 11 goals in 147 appearances.
July 2018 saw him join Italy’s Fiorentina but he struggled to break through into the first team with just six senior appearances, which saw him moved on to Brentford after ten months in a successful move with 13 goals in 196 appearances across six seasons.
During his time in West London, Norgaard helped the Bees achieve promotion from Championship to Premier League via play-offs in 2020-21 season, which coincidentally was the campaign when the club moved from Griffin Park to the Gtech Community Stadium in that promotion-winning campaign.
“On behalf of everyone at Brentford, I’d like to thank Christian for everything he’s done for the club over the last six years,” said Brentford’s Director of Football, Phil Giles, as he praised Norgaard for his integral role in the Bees’ success and earning the move on merit.
“He has been a key player for us, played a big part in helping us retain our Premier League status for the last four years, and has been a fantastic captain over the last couple of seasons.
“He has really earned the opportunity at one of England’s biggest clubs through his performances and his personality. We wish him well and he will always be welcomed back at Brentford in future.”
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