Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
Announced via the club’s website on Thursday afternoon, the midfielder joins in a deal worth £10m plus £2m in add-ons and will compete with fellow summer signing Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice for first-team minutes following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.
Norgaard’s arrival takes Arsenal’s summer spending beyond £70m, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Zubimendi joining from Chelsea and Real Sociedad respectively.
Meanwhile, the club are advancing in talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting in a deal which is expected to cost in excess of £65m.
Norgaard provides plenty of experience to Arsenal’s young side and leaves Brentford after six years, of which the last two he served as captain.
On signing a two-year contract - with the option of an extra 12 months - at the Emirates Stadium, Norgaard said: “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.
“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.”
Standard Sport first reported Arsenal’s interest in the Dane last month as former Bees head coach Thomas Frank hoped for a reunion at Tottenham before the Gunners swooped.
Brentford’s situation heading into next season looks increasingly precarious following Norgaard’s departure. The now-departed captain, who signed a two-year contract extension in March, played a key role in their midfield setup, playing 34 Premier League matches last season, and joins Frank in leaving the club.
Star forward Bryan Mbeumo is also expected to depart the Gtech Community Stadium.
