Thomas Frank feelings on Christian Norgaard crystal clear amid Tottenham transfer talk
Christian Norgaard has been linked with an exit from Brentford this summer with Tottenham one of the clubs interested
Thomas Frank is a huge admirer of Christian Norgaard with the Brentford captain linked with a move to Tottenham this summer.
The Denmark international has impressed for the Bees since signing for the club in May 2019. The 31-year-old signed from Fiorentina but really earned his reputation at Brondby, where he also played under Frank.
Known for his strong tackling and tactical awareness, the midfielder also possesses extreme technical ability and has more than shown his range of passing in the Premier League in recent seasons. With Tottenham interested in signing a new midfielder this summer, Norgaard has emerged as a target, although the Dane is also said to be of interest to north London rivals Arsenal.
Norgaard did sign a contract extension at Brentford in March, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027, but Spurs may be tempted to test the west London side’s resolve with an offer. Frank is a huge admirer of the defensive midfielder’s talents and waxed lyrical about his compatriot when news of his contract extension was published.
“This new contract was a no-brainer for us and Christian,” said Frank at the time. “Christian has been an integral part of the fantastic journey we have been on these past six years. He is our club captain and one of our most important players.
“His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch. And he has picked up his goal threat this season! The first time I coached Christian, he was a No.10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. I’m very happy. Hopefully we can continue to be successful together with Christian leading the team.”
With Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both entering the final year of their contracts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Norgaard is a realistic option given his top flight experience and understanding of working with Frank. The new Tottenham boss’ feelings on the midfielder are clear and that may well mean a move is on the cards.
‘Arsenal plot shock Christian Norgaard move as Brentford exodus accelerates’
Arsenal are planning a “shock” move to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 31-year-old is on the Gunners’ list of midfield targets.
This comes after Thomas Frank left the Bees to become Tottenham’s new manager, leading to speculation about a number of their first-team stars’ futures.
Spurs have also been linked with Norgaard following Franks appointment, but their North London rivals are keen to beat them to the punch.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to bolster his midfield options in the transfer window while adding further leadership and experience to his squad.
Football Insider revealed in April that Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave Arsenal upon the expiry of their contracts, and both are in line to be replaced.
Arsenal eye Christian Norgaard after Thomas Partey latest
Brown told Football Insider in April that Arsenal want to sign a midfielder to replace Partey as Arteta is determined not to see his squad weakened.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that while it may be a “shock” to some, the midfielder would be a good option for Arsenal.
“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” he told Football Insider.
“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them.
“He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.
“Arsenal have been keeping an eye on him because they want to strengthen their midfield options.
“They have to decide where he would fit in their team and what his role would be.
“But he’s certainly a player they feel would strengthen their squad because he’s a good player, he’s a leader and he’s got plenty of experience.
“It looks like a lot of players could be leaving Brentford because the manager is gone.
“That will be a blow to them, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see people like Norgaard tempted to move on.”
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