Christian Nørgaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Brentford director of football Phil Giles hasoutlined the two key reasons behind the club’s decision to allow captain Christian Nørgaard to join Arsenal this summer.
The Gunnersconfirmed the signing of the 31-year-old Denmark international this morning, paying a reported £10 million fee with up to £2 million in performance-related add-ons. The transfer marks Arsenal’s third major acquisition of the summer window as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Nørgaard has signed a two-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, with an option for a third year, and will wear the No. 16 shirt. His arrival boosts Arsenal’s midfield depth following the summer departures of Jorginho to Flamengo and Thomas Partey, whose contract expired in June.
Speaking on the transfer, Giles explained Brentford’s reasoning: “Christian has really earned the opportunity at one of England’s biggest clubs through his performances and his personality,” he said. “He’s been a key figure for us on and off the pitch and this move reflects both his ambition and our appreciation for what he’s done here.”
READ MORE: Christian Nørgaard officially joins Arsenal from Brentford
Nørgaard leaves Brentford after six successful seasons, during which he made 196 appearances, scored 13 goals, and was instrumental in their historic promotion to the Premier League in 2021. Appointed captain in 2023, he was widely respected for his leadership and defensive discipline.
New Arsenal signig Christian Nørgaard
New Arsenal signig Christian Nørgaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm over the signing, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. He’s an experienced international with proven leadership qualities and strong character. His tactical awareness, versatility, and physical presence will add much-needed depth and balance to our midfield.”
Nørgaard joins a growing list of Arsenal signings this summer, including goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m from Chelsea) and midfielder Martin Zubimendi (£51m from Real Sociedad). He is expected to serve as a valuable rotational option alongside Zubimendi and Declan Rice, particularly in matches requiring defensive structure. Nørgaard ranked sixth among Premier League midfielders last season for interceptions per 1,000 opponent touches (2.4) and recorded a personal-best six goals in the 2024/25 campaign.
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Brentford’s new manager Keith Andrews also praised Nørgaard’s legacy at the club, stating: “It’s a move that makes perfect sense for him. Arsenal is a massive club, and the chance to play Champions League football is a deserved reward for everything he’s contributed here.”
Arsenal’s transfer activity is far from over. The club remains locked in talks with Sporting CP over striker Viktor Gyökeres, though negotiations have stalled over a €70 million (£60.2m) fee. Meanwhile, a £50 million bid has been submitted for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, who has already agreed personal terms.
Nørgaard is expected to link up with his new teammates during pre-season training ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming tour of Asia, where they will face AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. With three consecutive second-place finishes behind them, the Gunners are building a squad with the depth and experience needed to finally end their title drought.
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