Arsenal
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Christian Nørgaard has expressed his ambition to contribute more in attack following his £12 million switch to Arsenal from Brentford. The 31-year-old Danish midfielder becomes the Gunners’ third summer signing, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi, taking the club’s spending to £77 million so far.
Nørgaard, who captained Brentford last season, is widely expected to operate as a defensive midfielder in Mikel Arteta’s preferred 4-3-3 formation. However, the Dane insists his game offers more than just defensive solidity, having begun his career as a more attack-minded player.
“It’s developed a little bit over the years. I started as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder,”said Nørgaard. “It’s important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.
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“Then coming off a season where I’ve had a lot of goal involvements, it’s something I really hope I can take into this season as well. I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play.”
Arsenal - Christian Nørgaard
Christian Nørgaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
Nørgaard has signed a two-year contract at Arsenal, with an option for a third year. The Gunners will pay Brentford an initial £10 million, with a further £2 million in performance-related add-ons.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to work on other key additions. The club is pushing to finalise a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with personal terms already agreed. Madueke is currently with the Chelsea squad in Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.
However, Arsenal’s search for a new centre forward has hit another obstacle. Talks with Sporting Lisbon over Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres have reportedly stalled due to a disagreement over the upfront fee. Sporting are said to be holding out for an additional £5 million beyond Arsenal’s latest offer.
Despite the setback, fresh talks are expected, with Arsenal executives recently returning from Lisbon. Gyökeres, who has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal, remains keen on a move to the Emirates but a final agreement between the clubs is yet to be reached.
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