Arsenal sign Brentford midfielder Norgaard

Arsenal have signed Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a £15m deal.

The 31-year-old has joined for an initial £10m - with a possible £5m in performance-related add-ons - on a two-year contract with the option of a third year.

Norgaard joined Brentford from Fiorentina in 2019 and became a key player, captaining his side and making 196 appearances.

He is Arsenal's third signing of the summer after deals for Spaniards Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Norgaard said he got "almost emotional" because signing for Arsenal means he will live his "dream" of playing Champions League football.

"I've just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford," he said.

"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."

Norgaard helped Brentford win promotion from the Championship in 2021, before making 122 Premier League appearances.

Midfielder Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last week in a deal worth almost £60m, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga moved from Chelsea for £5m.

Arsenal are also in talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70m and have made a formal approach for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.