Brentford Director of Football Phil Giles has confirmed that Arsenal have made a strong push to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard, with negotiations intensifying over the past two weeks.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Giles provided insight into the ongoing transfer talks, the impact of Norgaard’s potential departure, and Brentford’s plans to address the resulting gaps in their squad.
Giles revealed that Arsenal, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, have been in regular contact regarding the 31-year-old Danish midfielder. “Arsenal approached us in the last two weeks about Christian regularly with Andrea Berta,” Giles said. While the deal is not finalized, he acknowledged that the transfer is “more likely to happen than not.” He emphasized, however, that Brentford are committed to ensuring all aspects of the process are completed thoroughly. “We have to go through the full process, tick all the boxes, and then we’ll see at the end of it,” he added.
Norgaard, a key figure in Brentford’s midfield since joining from Fiorentina in 2019, has been a cornerstone of the club’s success in the Premier League. His combative style, leadership, and tactical intelligence have made him a fan favourite and a vital part of Thomas Frank’s system. Giles was full of praise for the midfielder, describing him as a “fantastic player” and “unbelievable” for the club. He also expressed personal support for Norgaard’s potential move, noting that it represents a significant opportunity for the player at this stage of his career. “I’m actually happy for him with the opportunity at this stage, 31, to go and try to win some trophies,” Giles said.
The potential departure of Norgaard, however, poses challenges for Brentford, particularly in terms of leadership. Giles highlighted the void that could be left by the midfielder’s exit, especially following the departure of experienced defender Ben Mee earlier in the summer. He also referenced goalkeeper Mark Flekken as another senior figure in the squad, underscoring the club’s awareness of the need to maintain a balance of experience and youth. “It isn’t done yet, but we’re aware that if and when he does depart, we have a leadership void to try and fill,” Giles explained. “We’re aware of the squad and the blend of experiences we have in the squad, and we’ll look to cover it.”
