Arsenal sign Brentford midfielder Norgaard

Arsenal have signed Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a £15m deal.

The 31-year-old has joined for an initial £10m – with a possible £5m in performance-related add-ons – on a two-year contract with the option of a third year.

Norgaard joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2019 and became a key player, captaining his side and making 196 appearances.

The Gunners were interested in Sevilla’s French midfielder Lucien Agoume, but manager Mikel Arteta opted for Norgaard because he preferred a Premier League-ready player.

“I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford,” he said.

“There’s always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.

“Now I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think would be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really happy about.”

Norgaard helped Brentford win promotion from the Championship in 2021, before making 122 Premier League appearances.

He is Arsenal’s third signing of the summer.

Midfielder Martin Zubimendi joined from Real Sociedad last week in a deal worth almost £60m, while goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga moved from Chelsea for £5m.