Al Jazira’s midfield gamble: why the UAE club eyes Arsenal’s Norgaard

Al Jazira Club, the UAE Pro League side, are hunting a seasoned midfielder to plug a creative void after a modest summer recruitment, and they have set their sights on Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard. The 32‑year‑old Dane’s experience in a Premier League title‑winning side could lift the club’s ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

Norgaard struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team in 2025/26, logging only 1,040 minutes – fewer than 12 full matches in a 63‑game season. Despite limited minutes, he became a Premier League winner in his first season with the Gunners and made his first Champions League appearances.

Though Norgaard is well‑liked at Arsenal, the club appear open to offers. He signed a two‑year deal with an option for a third, but the extra year is not expected to be activated, meaning his contract expires next summer.

Ahmed Ragab Al Jazira are in advanced negotiations, and Mads Glenn Wehlast of the Danish outlet Bold.dk warned the Dane could become surplus to requirements if he wants regular minutes. Bold speculation has already placed him among the players Arsenal may consider selling.

Gary Jacob wrote for The Times in May that a return to Brondby is probably off the table, as it is still too soon for a move back to his old club. Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images illustrated the growing interest.

Having retired from international football, the Dane will not have Denmark games to fill his calendar, making club minutes essential. Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images shows the midfielder awaiting his next chapter, while Al Jazira must finalise terms this summer amid potential fee negotiations.