Arsenal signing Christian Norgaard has said that his transfer from Brentford to Arsenal is a dream move. 

The Gunners were keen to replace Thomas Partey, who left the club as a free agent last month. They have already signed Martin Zubimendi to replace Jorginho, and have now confirmed the signing of their Partey replacement.

Brentford’s Christian Norgaard signed for £15m in somewhat of a surprising transfer move. However, Arsenal have found themselves a reliable and experienced option for Mikel Arteta to play in midfield.

Norgaard has been incredibly consistent for Brentford in the Premier League. He made 34 league appearances last season, scoring five goals and providing four assists. The 31-year-old also has 35 caps for the Danish national team.

Norgaard excited to play in the Champions League

The Copenhagen-born midfielder revealed in an interview with Arsenal’s Official Website, that at 31, he had all but given up of his dream of playing in the Champions League, but joining Arsenal has allowed him to realise that dream.

Norgaard said: “You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I’ve given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career. I’ve just turned 31, and had signed a new deal with Brentford.

“Of course, 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.”

The midfielder joins up with former Brentford teammate David Raya, and was asked in his interview just what he can offer the Gunners in the middle of the park. He said: “I started as a more offensive player and now I’m a bit more of a holding midfielder. It’s important for me that a team has a good defensive structure and hopefully I can contribute to that.”

However, despite his skills being in defensive midfield, he has said that he hopes Arteta will allow him to have more of an attacking role at times, as he can excel there too. “I don’t know what the gaffer’s plans are with me” he said, “but hopefully I can also have some freedom to join the offensive play.”

Click here to see Arsenal’s dream lineup for next season if the current transfer rumours are true.