Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said new signing Christian Norgaard would add leadership skills and a strong character to the Gunners.
Norgaard was announced as Arsenal’s third summer signing following the acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.
The Danish international replaced Jorginho who has joined Brazilian club Flamengo.
Speaking after the completion of the transfer, Arteta also explained other attributes Norgaard will add to the club.
“We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal,” Arteta told arsenal.com. “He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad.
“He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance. Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal.”
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Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, added: “We’re very pleased to welcome Christian Norgaard to the club. He has been a consistent high performer in the Premier League and brings many qualities to our club.
“He is a leader, and a player with high tactical intelligence and versatility who will have a very positive impact to the squad. We welcome Christian to Arsenal.”
Norgaard started his career with Lyngby in his homeland, progressing through their youth academy and making his first-team debut aged 17. He then had a brief spell in Germany with Hamburg as an 18-year-old, before returning to Denmark in August 2013 to join Superliga club Brondby.
During his time there, Norgaard became an influential player, showcasing his natural leadership and was voted as Player of the Year in 2017 and also helped the team lift the Danish Cup in 2017/18. During five years with Brondby, he made 147 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals with nine assists.
He moved to Italy in July 2018, signing for Serie A side Fiorentina, where he spent a season before joining Brentford in May 2019.
He became captain ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and finished last season with his highest goalscoring tally in a single season, with six goals from defensive midfield.
Having represented Denmark at youth level, Norgaard made his senior debut in a 0-0 draw against England in September 2020 and has now gone on to make 35 appearances for his country.
