Arsenal return after the international break hoping to hold onto top spot in the Premier League and one of Mikel Arteta’s summer signings have sent the Spaniard a strong message
Arsenal star Christian Norgaard is hoping that Mikel Arteta has been keeping an eye on him as he awaits his Premier League debut. The Danish midfielder completed a £10m move to North London from Brentford in the summer.
Despite that, Norgaard has played just 91 minutes for his new employers. He made a brief cameo in the Champions League vs Athletic Bilbao, while he made a debut start against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup. The midfielder is yet to appear in the Premier League for Arsenal but he is hoping that Arteta has been keeping tabs on his performances during the international break.
Speaking while on duty with Denmark, Norgaard said: “It was so nice, I made it. There is nothing greater than walking into the stadium here, an international match with a full crowd singing the national anthem. I had a big smile on my face and almost my whole family were here watching so it was a nice evening for me.’
He added: “It’s also important for me to get these minutes to show the club that I can get through these games. I think now, considering how few minutes I’ve played with Arsenal, there were no flaws, no cramps or anything. Hopefully the coach is at home watching to see that I can handle it physically.”
Norgaard penned a two-year deal with Arsenal, with the option for a further campaign. And despite only being in the early days of his career at the Emirates, he has already revealed where his future lies.
"When I one day return to Denmark, it will be Brondby," he said to Ekstra Bladet. "Brondby is a club that I developed a special connection to when I played for the club. That's why I can't see myself playing for other Danish clubs."
Speaking further with Danish outfit Bold, Norgaard added: "I can guarantee that Arsenal will be my last club abroad. I still want to return to Brondby when my contract at Arsenal expires. My contract is two years with an option for a further year.
"I would be happy to stay at Arsenal for the extra year if things develop in that direction. If it turns out that it wasn't the right match, we'll go home to Denmark after two years."
Norgaard will hope that he has done enough to earn his first Premier League appearance of the season this weekend. The Gunners take on Fulham at Craven Cottage before turning their attention to a Champions League clash with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.