Arsenal are close to completing the signing of Christian Norgaard from Brentford for an initial £10 million.
The Gunners are in need of a new defensive midfielder after losing Thomas Partey and Jorginho this summer.
Martin Zubimendi is set to sign for £55 million from Real Sociedad, although the Spaniard wouldn’t alone be capable of replacing the loss of both departing midfielders.
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Norgaard, with the total fee potentially rising to £15 million with add-ons.
The Dane enjoyed an exceptional season for Brentford in 2024/25, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Christian Norgaard’s squad number history
Norgaard began his career at Danish side Lyngby, before enjoying stints at Hamburg, Brondby, Fiorentina and, of course, most recently Brentford.
In that time, the Dane has worn a number of different shirt numbers, while he’s held the number six shirt throughout his spell in West London.
Gabriel Magalhaes currently wears six at Arsenal, meaning Norgaard would have to make a request to take this dream number from the Brazilian.
| Club | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Brentford | 6 |
| Fiorentina | 6 |
| Brondby | 19 |
| Hamburg | 6,7,8,10,14,33 |
| Lyngby | 12 |
The number 19 shirt is currently held by Leandro Trossard, who is expected to stay at Arsenal this summer.
12 and 33, the only other two numbers he’s worn in senior football, are currently taken by Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, respectively.
Available squad numbers at Arsenal
With everything he’s previously worn taken, barring the number ten, Norgaard will have to wear a shirt he’s never worn before at Arsenal.
Partey is leaving the number five shirt behind, which could be the most obvious number for the 31-year-old to take.
The number three is also available after Kieran Tierney’s exit, although that would be unconventional for a midfielder.
Other options include 13, 14, 16, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28.
Beyond that, 30, 32, 34, 35 and 37-40 are all available, as Zubimendi is expected to wear the number 36 shirt.
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