Despite still in the market for a number 9 and having been caught in the middle with Sporting CP and Viktor Gyokeres saga, Arsenal have announced their 3rd signing of the season. Brentford’s captain, Christian Norgaard became the Gunners new signing.
Softfootball understands that the North Londoners wanted Norgaard as he was a cheaper option to Thomas Partey who wanted a new contract and higher wages.
The Dane joins for a fee of £10m plus add-ons totaling at £15m. He will wear the red and white jersey for two-years with the option of one year extension if booth parties are still happy in each other’s company.
Reacting to the signing, Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta lauded Norgaard’s qualities. Berta said:
“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.”
Manager Mikel Arteta is a big admirers of defensive midfielders as his playing style is based on one starting the attacks for his team. Mikel was quite delighted to have Norgaard in the squad as empty holes were being filled. Mikel elucidate that:
“We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. 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.”
Christian will wear the number 16 shirt and will immediately join up with his new teammates for pre-season as according to the club’s media, the Gunners are back in full preparation for th enew season.
Mikel and Berta had brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi into the team ahead of what looks a promising season for them but are still in pursuit of a striker. Softfootball reported that Arsenal had made progress with Sporting CP for Viktor Gyokeres but looks like talks have stalled of recent.
Arsenal are facing a torrid time in their attempts to reach an agreement with Sporting CP over the signing of coveted forward Viktor Gyökeres. The Gunners had walked away from a potential deal to sign Benjamin Šeško, instead opting to finalise a move for Gyökeres.
However, that decision may now backfire, as talks with Sporting have reportedly hit a deadlock, and hopes of sealing the deal are crumbling rapidly.
