Brentford director of football confirms Norgaard is closing on Arsenal move | OneFootball

Brentford director of football Phil Giles has confirmed a deal for Christian Norgaard to move to Arsenal is almost complete.

It was reported a fortnight ago by Hayters that Mikel Arteta’s side were interested in the Bees captain, with news of an £15m bid plus add ons being agreed between both clubs coming last week.

Giles revealed that he expects the 31-year-old to complete his move to the Emirates Stadium.

“I think it’s more likely than not. I think it’s very well documented who’s interested,” Giles said.

“If he ends up leaving and going to a club that has more opportunities to win things than we do towards the end of his career then he’s more than earned it because he’s been an unbelievable player for us.

“Fantastic six years, great captain, and a brilliant person. Nothing’s done but it’s a strong possibility.”

New Bees head coach Keith Andrews echoed Giles comments, but is adamant that he has the players that are capable of stepping up to replace the departing Danish international.

“Christian’s been a real big player for this football club,” Andrews said. “I saw this first hand last year, primarily in a set piece capacity how he led, his qualities as a footballer but more importantly as a person I think he’s a top, top human being.

“Will it be hard to emulate? Yeah probably, but it’s opportunity for others and I know they’ll take it.”

Giles also gave an update on the future of star forward Bryan Mbeumo, and says there is still a chance the Cameroon international remains with the west Londoners after the summer transfer window closes.

“There’s not so much (progress with Mbeumo). He had a fantastic season, we expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

“He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career, of course he does – he is well within his rights to do that.

“We are in constant dialogue with him and representatives about that. As it stands at the minute we don’t have an agreement in place for him to leave.

“It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay. It has to be the right deal for Brentford, any club will tell you that. If it’s not right deal why would we do it.

“He is certainly one of our best players, if not our best player, and we need our best players. There’s no harm in keeping your best players.”