Christian Norgaard has agreed a permanent move to Arsenal from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £10m, with a further £2m in potential bonuses.
His medical and personal terms have been finalised, with an announcement due later this week.
The transfer was first reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who said it was viewed as a “good deal for Arsenal, Brentford and the Denmark international”.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is challenged by Christian Norgaard of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Arsenal FC at the Brentford Community Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
He becomes the second midfielder to sign for Mikel Arteta’s side this summer, following the £55m acquisition of Martin Zubimendi, confirmed on Sunday. Norgaard is expected to provide experienced cover and competition for the Spanish midfielder at the base of midfield.
Norgaard was a consistent presence as Brentford captain last season, making 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing four assists. He also played in 11 of Denmark’s last 16 matches, including both legs of their Nations League quarter-final against Portugal.
Defensively, Norgaard was among the most effective ball winners in the Premier League last season, ranking second only to Ryan Gravenberch in total interceptions.
His arrival continues a midfield reshuffle at Arsenal.
Two other midfielders have already departed. Jorginho, 33, has joined Flamengo and is currently competing in the Club World Cup, where he has already scored one and assisted two in four matches.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 29: Jorginho #21 of CR Flamengo scores his team's second goal on a penalty kick during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between CR Flamengo and FC Bayern München at Hard Rock Stadium on June 29, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Thomas Partey, meanwhile, left Arsenal at the end of his contract, just days before he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
In addition, Albert Sambi Lokonga‘s contract has been extended by 12 months to 2026, but the Belgian is still expected to leave the club this summer.
Following a mixed loan spell at Sevilla, Lokonga admitted: “I don’t know what my future will be. But if Sevilla can afford it, I want to stay here. There are many things I can’t decide. I have a one-year contract with Arsenal and all options are open.”
BARCELONA, SPAIN: Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Sevilla held a purchase option in Lokonga’s loan deal, but was not activated after the club failed to qualify for Europe. Arsenal’s contract extension ensures they will not lose the player on a free but he does not seem to have a future at the club.
Arsenal’s focus remains on further additions in attack and defence with deals close for both Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera. Another is being worked on for Eberechi Eze, but with Norgaard and Zubimendi secured, Arteta has the midfield options he wanted as pre-season preparations begin.
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