Arsenal complete third summer transfer with £12m deal as new shirt number revealed

Arsenal have announced the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford in a £12million deal. Norgaard, 31, becomes the Gunners' third new arrival of the summer after goalkepeer Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi, taking their spending to £77m.

The Dane has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the option of a third. Arsenal have agreed to pay Brentford an initial £10m plus £2m in potential add-ons.

Norgaard will wear the No.16 shirt and has joined up with Mikel Arteta's squad for pre-season training. The midfielder enjoyed six seasons with Brentford, two of them as captain, as he helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League and establish themselves as a top-flight side.

In a statement, Arteta commented: "We're delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal. He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League.

"He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad. He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.

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"Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch, and we're excited to start working with him in this next chapter of his career. We welcome Christian and his family to Arsenal."

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta added: "We're very pleased to welcome Christian Norgaard to the club. He has been a consistent high performer in the Premier League and brings many qualities to our club.

"He is a leader, and a player with high tactical intelligence and versatility who will have a very positive impact to the squad. We welcome Christian to Arsenal."

Who else do Arsenal need to sign this summer? Let us know your picks in the comments section.

Brentford's director of football, Phil Giles, wished the Denmark international well, saying: "On behalf of everyone at Brentford, I'd like to thank Christian for everything he's done for the club over the last six years. He has been a key player for us, played a big part in helping us retain our Premier League status for the last four years, and has been a fantastic captain over the last couple of seasons.

"He has really earned the opportunity at one of England's biggest clubs through his performances and his personality. We wish him well and he will always be welcomed back at Brentford in future."

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