Arsenal signal Christian Norgaard from Brentford in £15m switch deal

Arsenal have accomplished the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a deal value as much as £15m.

Norgaard has signed a two-year cope with the choice of the third and is the membership’s third signing of the summer season.

Sky Sports activities Information reported final month that they agreed a £15m cope with Brentford to signal the defensive midfielder. That deal is damaged up right into a assured £10m plus £5m in add-ons.

The prospect of taking part in within the Champions League was an enormous consider Norgaard making the swap throughout London to Arsenal.

He mentioned: “You may get virtually emotional as a result of possibly it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit bit up on coming in the direction of the later stage in my profession.

“I’ve simply turned 31 and had signed a brand new cope with Brentford. In fact, there’s all the time a little bit likelihood {that a} miracle might occur with Brentford, but it surely was in all probability unrealistic to play Champions League with them.

“Now, I get to listen to the anthem and be part of a Champions League marketing campaign. It is a childhood dream and one thing I did not suppose could be attainable. So it is one thing I am actually, actually completely satisfied about.”

Brentford captain Norgaard follows the arrivals of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Actual Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have additionally made Chelsea winger Noni Madueke a prime goal, whereas they’re advancing on a transfer for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal are additionally all for Actual Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in what is popping out to be a pivotal summer season for Mikel Arteta.

On Norgaard’s arrival, Arteta mentioned: “We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. He’s a world participant with a wealth of expertise of the Premier League. He has confirmed management abilities and a powerful character which will probably be invaluable to our squad.

“He’s a powerful midfielder with glorious tactical consciousness and flexibility. He additionally has bodily presence and intelligence which is able to give us added depth and stability.”

‘Norgaard has earned this chance’

Brentford director of soccer Phil Giles:

“On behalf of everybody at Brentford, I’d prefer to thank Christian for all the things he’s executed for the membership during the last six years.

“He has been a key participant for us, performed an enormous half in serving to us retain our Premier League standing for the final 4 years, and has been a implausible captain during the last couple of seasons.

“He has actually earned the chance at one among England’s largest golf equipment by way of his performances and his character. We want him effectively and he’ll all the time be welcomed again at Brentford in future.”

Why Norgaard? What subsequent for Rice? Arsenal’s midfield rebuild defined

Evaluation from Sky Sports activities’ Nick Wright:

Norgaard is an atypical Arsenal signing by way of age. At 31, he affords little resale worth. He does, although, assist mitigate the lack of Jorginho’s expertise. He heads to the Emirates Stadium having racked up 122 Premier League appearances for Brentford.

His age means he additionally comes for a comparatively low price, decreasing the monetary threat of the deal and permitting Arsenal to carry again funds for the attacking recruits nonetheless wanted.

Some supporters would have favored Arsenal to go for a youthful, extra thrilling choice with the next ceiling. The membership reportedly thought of Sevilla’s 23-year-old midfielder Lucien Agoume in its place.

However Albert Sambi Lokonga, Agoume’s team-mate whereas on mortgage at Sevilla final season, affords a cautionary story having didn’t make the grade at Arsenal. The membership now stand little likelihood of recouping the £15m spent to signal him from Anderlecht in 2021.

Along with Fabio Vieira, a £34m signing from Porto despatched again to his outdated membership on mortgage final season, and Nuno Tavares, an £8m signing from Benfica who additionally struggled, Lokonga helps to elucidate why Arsenal now favour Premier League-ready additions resembling Norgaard.

Learn extra evaluation from Nick’s function right here…

Norgaard follows Frank out of Bees door

Norgaard’s transfer to Arsenal has introduced an finish to his six-year spell at Brentford.

He joined the west London membership from Fiorentina in Might 2019 and have become a key participant for the Bees of their promotion to the Premier League.

Norgaard was vastly influential below Thomas Frank, who left in June to turn out to be Tottenham head coach after seven spectacular years at Brentford.

Brentford might see star participant Bryan Mbeumo comply with their supervisor and captain out of the door.

Manchester United stay optimistic of agreeing a deal to signal Mbeumo in time for the ahead to be a part of their pre-season tour of america.

There stays a spot in valuation, however United are usually not distant from the general price Brentford need – believed to be £65m – nonetheless there may be nonetheless work to do on the construction because the west London membership need the bulk, if not all, of the price to be paid up entrance.

A summer season of change on the Gtech Neighborhood Stadium has seen Keith Andrews appointed because the membership’s new head coach.

Brentford spoke to numerous high-profile managers from throughout Europe however opted for somebody who is aware of the membership and their programs, and so they imagine Andrews can turn out to be a prime head coach, having joined as an assistant to Frank final yr.

Sky Sports activities to indicate 215 reside PL video games from subsequent season

From subsequent season, Sky Sports activities’ Premier League protection will enhance from 128 matches to no less than 215 video games solely reside.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League video games subsequent season are on Sky Sports activities.