Martin Odegaard played agent to convince Christian Norgaard to swap Brentford for Arsenal. The Gunners have added a seasoned Premier League performer to their midfield ranks by completing the signing of the Danish international for an initial fee of £10 million ($13m/€11m), with the potential for an additional £2m ($3m) to be paid in performance-related bonuses.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Norgaard joined Arsenal on a two-year dealThe club have an option for a thirdGunners strengthen their midfield after Partey and Jorginho leftFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Norgaard, who captained Brentford last season, has penned a two-year deal at the Emirates Stadium, which also includes an option for a third year. His arrival marks the club’s third acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the earlier additions of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfield anchor Martin Zubimendi.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT NORGAARD SAID
Norgaard has credited current Arsenal skipper Odegaard and David Raya for giving him insight into life at the Emirates and shared how the two played a vital role in helping him envision his next step.
“They both spoke so highly of [the club],” Norgaard revealed to . “They keep describing this as a welcome to the family feeling. I think it's really nice when a player like Martin speaks highly of not only the players, not only the coaches, but also the whole staff around the club and the guys in the media department.
“There are just so many people working in this organisation and he spoke very highly of all of them, so I’m looking forward to meeting each and every one.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Although best known for his defensive discipline, Norgaard’s final season at Brentford saw a notable uptick in attacking contribution. He registered five goals and provided four assists across 34 Premier League appearances, a personal best in terms of offensive output. Mikel Arteta has long sought a player capable of bringing calm and control to the base of midfield, and Norgaard appears to fit that description well, especially as Thomas Partey and Jorginho have left the club.
DID YOU KNOW?
Norgaard leaves Brentford with a legacy of consistency and commitment. Since arriving from Fiorentina in 2018, the Dane became a cornerstone of Thomas Frank’s side. He played an instrumental role in Brentford’s rise to the Premier League and their continued survival in the top flight. In total, he made 196 appearances for the west London club and captained them throughout the 2024–25 campaign.