Why Arsenal want to sign Christian Norgaard – and why Brentford are willing to let him go | OneFootball

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

Hayters and Mirror Sport first reported Arsenal’s interest in the Danish midfielder last week and Arsenal have since made their move for the 31-year-old.

The news that Arsenal were targeting Norgaard came as a surprise to many, but is a move which makes a lot of sense for boss Mikel Arteta.

He has already lost veteran midfielder Jorginho this summer, who has joined Brazilian side Flamengo. Thomas Partey is also likely to leave, having yet to sign a new contract with the club.

Martin Zubimendi’s long awaited arrival would still leave a gap in holding midfield for Arteta, one which Norgaard would fill. Zubimendi is set to be the Partey replacement as the first choice holding midfielder, with Norgaard supplying the Jorginho minutes.

Norgaard has been one of the most consistent holding midfielders in the Premier League over the past few years. He has played 122 times in the Premier League across four top-flight seasons with Brentford and has been a big part of establishing the Bees as a mid-table team following promotion from the Championship.

His strong record of availability is crucial for Arsenal given their nightmare with injuries last season. He missed 16 Premier League games across the 2021/22 campaign but has played more than 30 times in each of his other three seasons he has played in the top flight, including 34 times last season.

More than anything, however, he provides protection in front of the back four in the absence of Partey. He ranked among the best central midfield players in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles (74th percentile), interceptions (90th percentile), blocks (88th percentile), clearances (84th percentile) and aerial duels won (84th percentile) last season.

“His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch,” his former boss Thomas Frank, now of Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham, said last season. “And he has picked up his goal threat this season.

“The first time I coached Christian, he was a no.10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.”

Moreover, Norgaard also brings the size and physicality Arteta values so highly too, at 6ft1 tall and with a strong physique. One of last season’s Gunners signings Mikel Merino noted the height of the Arsenal squad after joining last summer, saying: “We look like a basketball team now. Football now has changed and now you need a strong team, physicality is key, we need to be the most complete team possible.”

That size and physicality also helps Norgaard pose a threat at set pieces and in the air. Among his five Premier League goals last season included three headed goals, which came from a free-kick in the 4-2 win against Brighton, from another free-kick in a 4-0 win over Leicester, and a powerful header from a whipped cross against Man City.

Norgaard is not someone who is comfortable driving forward and dribbling with the ball, preferring to get his passes off quicker and keep the ball moving instead. His lack of pace is a reason for that, and he can be left vulnerable if opposition teams break quickly.

There are concerns that he has slowed down in the past couple of years too. Brentford selling their skipper for a modest fee believed to be around £10m to £15m might come as a surprise but it is a bet that they have already gotten the best out of Norgaard, while recouping a decent fee for him with two years still left on his deal.

They are allowing a loyal player, who signed a new deal earlier this year to protect his value for the club instead of leaving for free, to make the move he wants too.

Norgaard likely will not start too many games over Zubimendi, but would provide important back-up for the Spaniard while also bringing different strengths to the table. He could prove to be a valuable asset off the bench too, if Arsenal need more midfield solidity when wanting to preserve a lead.

And for a transfer fee and wages which do not look like they will have too much of an impact on Arsenal’s balance sheet, this appears to be a sensible move for the club.