Christian Norgaard relishing Arsenal challenge after ‘step up’ from Brentford

SINGAPORE – Early into Arsenal’s open training session at the National Stadium on July 25, most of the Gunners fans had their eyes locked on Martin Zubimendi – the club’s biggest summer signing so far – and latest acquisition Cristhian Mosquera.

Just a few metres away from the Spanish pair – who were playing a game of keepy-uppies near the middle of the pitch – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was in animated conversation with another new signing.

Arteta was seen gesturing energetically to Christian Norgaard, seemingly offering the Danish midfielder advice on picking out the right pass.

Norgaard, an £9 million (S$15.5 million) recruit from Brentford, looked deep in focus as he took in Arteta’s instructions and later shared with the media his eagerness to impress – and improve – even at 31 and having been captain at his previous club.

“I’m realistic of course and I know this is a step up in terms of quality and the size of the club. But I’m also here to contribute of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have made the move,” said Norgaard at a press conference at the National Stadium after the training session.

“But I also know there are some of the best players in the world in my position (at Arsenal). So it’ll be competitive. I hope I can really help this team, both on and off the pitch.”

Norgaard made his first appearance for Arsenal in the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Italian giants AC Milan at the National Stadium on July 23, which saw them kick off their pre-season – and the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football series – on a winning note.

Arsenal will face League Cup champions Newcastle United on July 27 at the same venue, before travelling to Hong Kong to play local rivals Tottenham Hostpur on July 31.

Norgaard spent six years at Brentford – the final two years as captain – and had just penned a fresh two-year contract with the Bees in March, but said the chance to go on an “adventure” with Arsenal at 31 was something he could not turn down.

This, despite fierce competition with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, English star Declan Rice and new £56 million man Zubimendi for a spot in a midfield three.

“It’s about being available and fit,” said Norgaard. “I’m used to playing 38 (league) games plus a couple of cup games. Here it will be close to 60 games (with European football), maybe, so you need a full squad... I know my chances will come and it’s just about taking them.”

While Norgaard’s assimilation into the Gunners set-up started weeks ago after the announcement of his move on July 10, Mosquera’s began on July 25 – and the centre-back was treated to a special initiation on the pitch, having to run through a gauntlet while his new teammates playfully slapped him on his head and back.

Arsenal had announced on July 24 that they had signed the 21-year-old from Spanish side Valencia on a long-term contract, with a fee reported to be around an initial £13 million.

He may yet be joined in Singapore by Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, whom the BBC on July 25 reported could complete a £63.5 million move to the north London side from Sporting Lisbon this weekend.

While Arteta once again said he “cannot talk about a player who is not ours yet”, he suggested that any new signing would join the tour as soon as possible.

“For sure. Obviously, once we have finalised everything with a player, we want to integrate him with the team as quickly as possible,” Arteta said.