Christian Norgaard, the Arsenal midfielder, has put forward a candid message to manager Mikel Arteta during the international break, expressing his desires for increased playing time at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the Gunners’ recent resurgence in the Premier League, where they’ve overcome a five-point deficit and overtaken Liverpool to claim the top spot, Norgaard’s appearances have been disappointingly sparse since his summer move from Brentford.
While Arsenal immediately bolstered their lineup with his transfer, Norgaard finds himself yet to make a Premier League appearance. His on-field contributions have been confined to a single League Cup and a Champions League fixture. On the international stage, however, Norgaard recently shone brightly for Denmark, contributing significantly in their 3-1 victory over Greece.
Reflecting on his time with the national team, Norgaard shared with Viaplay, “It was so nice, I made it. There’s nothing quite like stepping into a packed stadium for an international match, the national anthem resonating. With a big smile and my family in attendance, it was truly a special night.”
Looking ahead to Arsenal’s clash against Fulham, Norgaard is hopeful that his robust performances on the international front will catch Arteta’s eye. “It’s crucial for me to demonstrate to the club my capability to endure these matches without flaws, cramps, or any issues,” Norgaard explained. “Hopefully, the gaffer was watching and saw that I’m physically prepared.”
As he anticipates more game time at Arsenal, Norgaard added, “Time will tell if I’m ready for increased minutes, but the competition is fierce. After all, I’m up against talents like Martin Zubimendi, who did splendidly for Spain recently. With a packed schedule involving the Carabao Cup, Champions League, and Premier League, I’m optimistic for rotation and the opportunity to prove myself for upcoming internationals.”
In recent discussions, Norgaard openly stated his plans post-Arsenal, indicating the Emirates will be his final club outside Denmark. “Returning to Brondby is set for after my Arsenal tenure, barring an extension,” he noted. “An extra year at Arsenal would be welcome, should circumstances align. If not, I’ll head back to Denmark post-contract.”
In the midst of a competitive squad, Norgaard’s aspirations highlight a determination to make his mark and contribute significantly to Arsenal’s campaign this season.