New Brentford boss Keith Andrews has hailed Christian Norgaard as a "top, top human being" ahead of his upcoming move to Arsenal. The Gunners remain in the advanced stages of securing a deal with the Bees for the Danish midfielder following Thomas Partey's exit from the Emirates Stadium at the end of his contract.
The deal for Norgaard is expected to be around the £10million mark, which in turn could prove to be a shrewd investment considering his Premier League experience and the performances he has delivered in the top flight since Brentford secured promoted back in 2021. With Martin Zubimendi also expected to complete a move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad, Norgaard and the Spain international strengthen Mikel Arteta's midfield and also give him more options this season as Arsenal compete on four fronts and look to win some silverware.
While it is a transfer that will benefit Arsenal, it is one that will hurt Brentford considering his captaincy duties and integral role in the middle of the park. Ahead of Norgaard's transfer to Arsenal, Andrews waxed lyrical about the 31-year-old, which Arteta and Arsenal will love, when speaking at his unveiling after replacing Thomas Frank at the helm.
“Christian has been a really, really big player for this football club," stated Andrews. "I saw it first-hand last year, obviously primarily from a set-piece capacity, how he led, his qualities as a footballer but, probably more importantly, as a person I think he is a top, top human being. I really believe that.
"Will it be hard to emulate? Yeah, probably, but it's opportunities for others and I know we will take the opportunity in the building."
Phil Giles, Brentford director of football, was also speaking at Andrews' first press conference and he mentioned that Norgaard has "earned" his Arsenal move as he delivered a fresh transfer update.
"I think it’s more likely than not," he said on the prospect for the Denmark international leaving Brentford. "If he ends up leaving then he goes to a club who have more opportunities than we do and he’s earned it because he’s been an unbelievable player for us.
"Nothing is done as it stands but it’s a strong possibility."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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