Christian Norgaard, who signed with Arsenal this summer, has made a surprising confession about his future.
The Gunners signed Norgaard from Brentford in a deal worth £15m, penning a two-year deal with the club with an option to extend for a further year.
The Danish midfielder has started just one game since joining the club, a cup match against Port Vale. His only other appearance came against Athletic Club, coming on as a substitute in stoppage time and playing just one minute.
Christian Norgaard talks about his future at Arsenal
Norgaard has opened up about his future, admitting Arsenal will be the last club he will play for overseas, and expressing his desire to return to his boyhood club Brondby in Denmark when his contract with the Gunners expires.
Speaking to Danish media outlet Bold, he said: “I can guarantee that Arsenal will be my last club abroad.
“When my contract with Arsenal expires, I still want to return to Brondby. My contract is for two years, with an option for a further year.”
“If things develop in that direction, I would be happy to stay at Arsenal for another year. If the match turns out not to be suitable, we will return to Denmark in two years.”
Christian Norgaard’s time at Brentford
Before joining Arsenal in the summer, the Danish midfielder enjoyed four highly successful years at Brentford, playing a central role in establishing the Bees as a competitive top team.
Signed from Fiorentina in 2019, Norgaard has become the heart of Thomas Frank’s system, a disciplined holding midfielder who excels at breaking up play and dictating tempo from deep.
His keen reading of the game, combined with his physicality and composure on the ball, made him one of the most underrated midfielders in the league.
During his time at Brentford, Norgaard made over 196 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 18 assists, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and maintain their top-flight status in subsequent seasons.
Frank was keen to bring him to Tottenham this summer, but the move ultimately fell through with Arsenal securing his signature.
Norgaard should bring experience to Arteta’s midfield and fill the holes that needed to be filled with the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
With Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi leading the pecking order, Norgaard’s role is limited to that of a team player, with the Dane expected to play a role as the games pile up.
He continues to be a player who can have an impact when called upon, and his experience could be invaluable as Arsenal compete on multiple fronts this season.