How new signing Norgaard will help Arsenal shine 

Here's Arsenal writer Nick Manfredi on the benefits new signing Christian Norgaard will bring to the Gunners 

When the transfer window opened a few weeks ago, Christian Norgaard was not a player at the forefront of Arsenal fans’ minds.

But he is now an Arsenal player and at a fee thought to be around £10million, Norgaard could well prove to be a shrewd bit of business.

So, what qualities will Norgaard bring to N5?

Firstly, at 31 years of age he brings valuable experience to the side. Whilst he is not expected to be a regular starter in the league or Champions League, the Dane will bring a much-needed calmness to the team when called upon. Norgaard boasts six years of experience in the English game, with four of those in the topflight. He joined Brentford whilst they were still in the Championship in 2019. He helped them reach the playoff final that season where they lost to Fulham, but they recovered to win the playoffs the following year.

The midfielder has also played a major role in Brentford establishing themselves as part of the furniture amongst the elite.

You will remember Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening night of the 21/22 campaign and Norgaard actually scored the second, even if it should’ve been ruled out for a clear foul on Bernd Leno. It set the tone for Norgaard’s performances that season as he went on to be named as Brentford’s player of the year in their first topflight campaign in over 70 years. Norgaard also attempted the most tackles of any Premier League player in 21/22.

Another key quality Norgaard brings is his leadership.

He was named Brentford captain ahead of the 23/24 season and has continued to help cement the Bees’ place in the Premier League with composure and distinction. No doubt this was an attribute that struck Arteta’s attention when scouting him.

Norgaard has continuously demonstrated his importance to Brentford and was rewarded with a new two-year contract in March, so Andrea Berta and the rest of the negotiating team have done remarkably well to get the Dane in for such a modest fee.

Regarding style of play, Norgaard is generally a deep lying midfielder, but he has played in a more advanced role in the past. He has a good eye for snuffing out danger and he always looks for a forward pass as quickly as possible. One would imagine Arteta envisions him as a player who can quickly win possession in the defensive third then spot a forward pass and spring an attack.

Norgaard wins the ball as the opposition are looking dangerous, quickly finds Rice who drives forward, he then finds Odegaard in space, who dinks a through ball for Saka who finishes with aplomb. And it all started 70 yards down the pitch with Norgaard. Something like that anyway.

It is expected Norgaard will be on the bench most weeks with most of his starts coming in the cups. But he will often be expected to come on and finish games and bring those much-needed fresh legs in midfield for the final 15-20 minutes of games where we are closing out a lead or when Zubimendi or Rice need a rest.

There has been some debate as to who Norgaard is replacing out of Partey or Jorginho. For me it’s the latter as Norgaard will only be starting a handful of games, will bring energy in the final minutes of games and brings vital leadership qualities. All boxes Jorginho typically ticked during his time at Arsenal.

Whilst he may not be the shiny new signing, we’re all craving, I suspect Norgaard will end up playing a bigger role this season than many fans anticipate.

There are now more games than ever, and Arteta will need a large core of players at his disposal.

Let’s wait and see what Norgaard brings.

Previous articles by exciting new Arsenal writer Nick Manfredi:

How Zubimendi will boost Declan Rice and Arsenal

How Ethan Nwaneri's U21 Euro success will help to boost Arsenal's hopes of silverware

Three Players Arsenal Could Sign This Summer Who Won't Break The Bank

A Love Letter to Santi Cazorla

Arsenal 2025-26 Premier League fixtures analysed

Martin Odegaard: Here's to a better 2025-26 for the Arsenal captain

All Hail Declan Rice: Arsenal's midfield genius

Arsenal's new red and white home kit: Lighten my wallet now

Feel the positivity under Arteta after Rice's superb stunner steers Arsenal to the Champions League