Arsenal complete third summer signing as Viktor Gyokeres talks stall

Arsenal have announced the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

The Danish midfielder has penned a two-year contract, with the option of a third year, with the north London club.

Norgaard moves to the Emirates Stadium for an initial £10million, with a further £5million in add-ons.

His arrival comes after Arsenal saw off interest from north London rivals Tottenham.

The 31-year-old spent five years with the Bees after joining the club from Fiorentina in 2019.

During that time he made 196 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 18 assists.

He was also part of the side which won promotion to the Premier League in 2021 before becoming captain two years later.

Norgaard now becomes Mikel Arteta’s third signing of the summer transfer window and will wear the No.16 shirt at the Emirates – previously donned by midfielders Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

He follows the arrivals of Spanish pair Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.

The latter is expected to have a starring role in midfield next season after joining from Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi’s long-anticipated move was officially confirmed by the club last week.

Meanwhile, Kepa will provide competition for David Raya after Neto’s loan from Bournemouth expired.

Arteta is set to continue his business following Norgaard’s arrival as he turns his attention to his attack.

However, talkSPORT understands negotiations with Gyokeres have stalled.

The Swedish striker is close to a move to join the Gunners, with talks over a deal with Sporting Lisbon at an advanced stage.

Gyokeres has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners.

But those talks between the clubs has not progressed since the weekend, with Arsenal and Sporting still yet to come to an agreement over a transfer fee.

The 27-year-old has an £86million [€100m] release clause in his contract, but Sporting are willing to sell for a reduced fee of £60m [€70m] plus £8.6m [€10m].

Since joining the Portuguese outfit from Coventry two years ago, Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in just 102 appearances.

Those strikes include a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League in November.

As well as winning consecutive golden boots, he has also fired the club to back-to-back league titles.

Despite the hold-up, Arsenal fans will be hoping Gyokeres will soon become their fourth summer signing and finally end their search for a top class No.9.

Arsenal were accused of ‘shopping in Asda’ for their new signings after news of their interest in Norgaard first emerged.

But Arteta has insisted the former Brentford captain is very much the type of skilled and strong midfielder and leader he wanted to add into his team.

“We’re delighted to welcome Christian to Arsenal,” said the Gunners boss.

“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.

“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.”