Arsenal have completed the signing of Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a deal worth up to £15 million.
The 31-year-old joins the Gunners for an initial £10 million, with an additional £5 million in performance-related bonuses. He has signed a two-year contract with the option of a third.
Norgaard arrived at Brentford from Fiorentina in 2019 and quickly established himself as a vital figure, eventually captaining the side and making 196 appearances across all competitions.
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Arsenal had been monitoring Sevilla’s French midfielder Lucien Agoume, but manager Mikel Arteta opted for the more experienced, Premier League-proven Norgaard.
Speaking after the move, Norgaard said the transfer left him “almost emotional,” as it gives him the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing in the Champions League.
“I had just turned 31 and recently signed a new contract with Brentford,” he said. “There was always a small chance we could do something special there, but realistically, the Champions League felt out of reach. Now, I get to hear that anthem and be part of the competition I dreamed of as a kid. It means the world to me.”
Norgaard played a key role in Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and made 122 appearances in the top flight.
He becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal close to £60 million, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million.
The Gunners are also actively pursuing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in a proposed £70 million transfer and have submitted a formal offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
