Arsenal‘s latest recruit Christian Norgaard has revealed that he was convinced to join the Gunners because of a simple text from captain Martin Odegaard.
The former Brentford captain completed a £12million move to the Emirates on Thursday to become Mikel Arteta‘s third summer signing.
Arsenal will reportedly pay an initial £10m fee for the Denmark international with a further £2m in additional payments.
Norgaard had signed a new two-year deal at Brentford in March amid intense interest from Benfica.
But he has admitted that he was persuaded to leave the Bees, who he joined six years ago from Fiorentina, because of Odegaard and former Brentford team-mate David Raya, who made the same move in 2023.
‘They both spoke so highly of [the club],’ Norgaard told club media. ‘They keep describing this as a welcome to the family feeling.
Former Brentford captain Norgaard completed a £12million move to the Emirates on Thursday
The Dane became Mikel Arteta’s third summer signing and leaves Brentford after six years
Norgaard revealed that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard convinced him to join the Gunners
‘I think it’s really nice when a player like Martin speaks highly of not only the players, not only the coaches, but also the whole staff around the club and the guys in the media department.
‘There are just so many people working in this organisation and he spoke very highly of all of them, so I’m looking forward to meeting each and every one.’
The 31-year-old joined Brentford in 2019 and helped guide them to their first ever Premier League promotion.
He was appointed as captain by former Bees and now Tottenham boss Thomas Frank in 2023.
Last season, Norgaard played 34 times in the Premier League and also chipped in with five goals, his highest tally for the club.
The Dane has also played at the semi-finals of Euro 2020 and at the 2022 World Cup.
But he admitted that the appeal of Champions League football at the Emirates was crucial in his switch
‘You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,’ he said.
Norgaard will reunite with former team-mate David Raya at Arsenal, who switched in 2023
Mikel Arteta said the midfielder has ‘a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad’
Norgaard spent six years at Brentford and played a crucial role in reaching the Premier League
‘I’ve just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, 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.’
Speaking after the deal was announced, Arteta hailed his new recruit as he said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal.
‘He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad.
‘He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.
‘Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we’re excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career.’
Sporting director Andrea Berta added: ‘We’re very pleased to welcome Christian Norgaard to the club. He has been a consistent high performer in the Premier League and brings many qualities to our club.
‘He is a leader, and a player with high tactical intelligence and versatility who will have a very positive impact to the squad. We welcome Christian to Arsenal.’
