ARSENAL have completed the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford, making the Dane their third arrival of the summer.
The midfielder cost the Gunners £10 million in transfer fee and a potential £2m in add-ons.
“We’re delighted to announce that Denmark international Christian Norgaard has joined the club,” Arsenal announced today.
“The 31-year-old midfielder arrives from Brentford, where he made 196 appearances in all competitions, including 122 in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and assisting 18 times.
“Christian started his career with Lyngby in his homeland, progressing through their youth academy and making his first-team debut aged 17.
“He then had a brief spell in Germany with Hamburg as an 18-year-old, before returning to Denmark in August 2013 to join Superliga club Brondby.
“During his time there, Christian became an influential player, showcasing his natural leadership. He was voted as Player of the Year in 2017 and also helped the team lift the Danish Cup in 2017/18.
“During five years with Brondby, he made 147 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals with nine assists.”
Norgaard moved to Italy in July 2018, signing for Serie A side Fiorentina, where he spent a season before joining Brentford in May 2019.
During his six seasons with the Bees, Norgaard played a key role through one of the most successful periods in Brentford’s history, including promotion to the Premier League after a 74-year absence from the top flight.
He became captain ahead of the 2023/2024 campaign and finished last season with his highest goalscoring tally in a single season, with six goals from defensive midfield.
Having represented Denmark at youth level, Norgaard made his senior debut in a 0-0 draw against England in September 2020 and has now gone on to make 35 appearances for his country.
Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Christian Norgaard to the club. He has been a consistent high performer in the Premier League and brings many qualities to our club.
“He is a leader, and a player with high tactical intelligence and versatility who will have a very positive impact to the squad. We welcome Christian to Arsenal.”
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. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal.”
Norgaard will wear the number 16 shirt and will immediately join up with his new teammates for pre-season, Arsenal noted.
He joins goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi as new Arsenal recruits this window.