Arsenal have announced the signing of Brentford captain Christian Norgaard in a deal reportedly worth up to £15 million on Thursday.
Norgaard, 31, made over 190 appearances for the Bees, including 34 last season and played a key prt as they secured promotion to the top flight in 2021.
The Denmark international moves to North London after six years at Brentford and has signed on a two-year deal with the option of an additional year.
The midfielder becomes the Gunners’ third summer signing, after the arrivals of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
“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,” Mikel Arteta welcomed the midfielder.
“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility and 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”, he stated.
Arsenal will pay a guaranteed £10 million with an extra £5 million in add-ons for the experienced midfielder.
Norgaard, who is expected to wear the number 16 jersey at the club, was delighted at the opportunity of joining one of the best teams in the world.
“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”, Norgaard said after signing his Arsenal’s contract.
“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”, he added.
The Gunners are still in the market for a striker and have been reportedly in advanced talks with Sporting Lisbon for Sweden international Victor Gyokeres, while interest remains in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
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