Christian Norgaard hopes to not be pinned down as a defensive midfielder at Arsenal, reminding his recent boss that he can add plenty going forward as well.
The 31-year-old has accomplished his move from Brentford to the Emirates, unveiled as a brand new Arsenal player on Thursday in a deal value an initial £10m.
The Denmark international had been with Brentford since signing from Fiorentina in 2019, with spells earlier in his profession with Hamburg and Brondby.
He brings loads of experience with him to the Emirates and points out that there may be plenty to his game in the course of midfield.
He scored five Premier League goals last season and provided 4 assists, so is keen to contribute in attack with Arsenal, not only be carrying out defensive duties.
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‘It’s developed just a little bit through the years,’ he said of his form of play. ‘I began as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder. It’s essential for me that a team has a great defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.
‘Then coming off a season where I’ve had loads of goal involvements, it’s something I actually hope I can take into this season as well.
Christian Norgaard’s Premier League record
Appearances: 122
Goals: 11
Assists: 12
Yellow cards: 30
Red cards: 1
‘I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me, but hopefully I also can have some freedom to hitch the offensive play.’
Norgaard didn’t hide how much his move to Arsenal means to him, delivering the possibility to play within the Champions League when he felt that chance had likely passed him by.
‘You may get almost emotional because perhaps it was a dream that I’ve given just a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my profession,’ he said.
‘I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a brand new take care of Brentford. After all, there’s all the time just a little probability that a miracle could occur with Brentford, but it surely was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them.
‘Now, I get to listen to the anthem and be an element of a Champions League campaign. It’s a childhood dream and something I didn’t think could be possible. So it’s something I’m really, really comfortable about.’
Norgaard is just not expected to be an everyday starter under Mikel Arteta, with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice prone to be the primary alternative pairing in the course of the pitch.
Nonetheless, Arteta thinks the brand new arrival brings so much to his squad, saying of the previous Brentford captain: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal.
‘He’s a global player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a robust character which shall be invaluable to our squad.
‘He’s a robust midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and flexibility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which can give us added depth and balance.
Arsenal’s summer signings
Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea – £5m
Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad – £55.8m
Christian Norgaard from Brentford – £10m (plus £2m in add-ons)
‘Christian will bring so much to the group each on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start out working with him on this next chapter of his profession. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal.’
Norgaard has signed a two-year take care of the Gunners, with an option for a 3rd yr.
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