Christian Norgaard: Position, transfer fee, style of play, stats & more

Reports suggest Arsenal are closing in on a move to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard.

The Gunners are looking to replace Thomas Partey, who leaves on a free transfer, without wanting to break the bank, which could make the Dane an attractive proposition for the Premier League runners-up.

Here is everything you need to know about the Brentford midfielder.

Christian Norgaard age, nationality & background

Born on 10 March 1994, Norgaard is 31 years old.

Born in Copenhagen in Denmark, Norgaard began his career Danish Superliga side Lyngby.

Norgaard then spent a couple of years with Hamburg in Germany before returning to Denmark with Brondby, joining Brentford in 2019.

Christian Norgaard transfer fee and contract

Norgaard moved to Brentford for around £2.8m in 2019.

According to Capology, Norgaard earns £40,000 a week at Brentford and could expect a slight pay rise if his move to Arsenal goes ahead.

Arsenal initially offered around £8m according to Fabrizio Romano, but the fee may end up being higher with add-ons expected to be discussed in the coming days.

Christian Norgaard transfer rumours

Although Norgaard wasn't linked with a move away, Arsenal failing to retain Thomas Partey means the club are after a short-term solution in midfield.

The club have reportedly agreed terms with the player, and now need to decide on a fee.

What to expect from Christian Norgaard

A traditional holding midfielder, Norgaard is tidy in possession, but excels at the defensive part of the game.

Replacing Partey, Norgaard would be used as a squad player at the Emirates should a move go ahead, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi the preferred midfield two, but Norgaard's height and defensive prowess means he'll be a threat at set pieces and could even be used as an auxiliary centre-back if needed.

Height and build

Norgaard is 6ft 1in and of lean build.

Preferred foot

Diomande is right-footed.

Style of play

A traditional defensive midfielder, Norgaard is tidy in possession without being overly adventurous, leaving the playmaking side of the game to his more creative colleagues.

Norgaard is, however, excellent at the defensive side of the game. A strong tackler and reader of the game, Norgaard also possesses a good aerial threat, standing at 6ft 1in.

Metric	Total (Per 90)	Rank
Dribblers tackled	1.53	Top 8%
Interceptions	1.56	Top 8%
% of aerials won	62%	Top 10%
Ball recoveries	6.16	Top 12%
% of dribblers tackles	59.3	Top 15%
Tackles + interceptions	4.09	Top 16%

(Source: FBref.com based on comparison to positional peers in Men's Big 5 Leadgues, UCL and UEL in last 365 days).

Career so far

Previous clubs

Norgaard started his career at Lyngby after progressing through their academy. Norgaard then spent 18 months with Hamburg in Germany, but, struggling to settle, returned to Denmark with Brondby in 2013.

Five seasons later, Norgaard moved to Fiorentina, but again struggling find his best form, was on the move a year later. After just six appearances in Italy, Norgaard was told he was free to leave and went on to join Brentford where he enjoyed promotion in 2021 and spent four years in the Premier League.

International caps

Norgaard made his international debut in 2020 and has gone on to win 35 Denmark caps.

What could Norgaard bring to your club?

Now aged 31, Norgaard brings plenty of experience and leadership with him. Brentford's Player of the Year in their first season in the Premier League, Norgaard was given the armband in the 2022/23 season.

His height makes him a potent threat from set pieces, while his defensive work makes him an excellent addition for a side in need of a holding midfielder.