Arsenal signing expected to leave after just 1 year

Christian Norgaard is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, just one year after joining the club, according to a report.

Martin Odegaard and Christian Norgaard of Arsenal interact after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on December 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) — Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

In a piece for The Times largely focusing on Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gary Jacob drops the news that Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard is expected to leave the club this summer.

The implication in the report is that Lewis-Skelly’s recent appearances have made him a genuine option in midfield, and a left-footed alternative to the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi at the base of midfield, or indeed on the left of it.

In light of the 19-year-old’s progress, Norgaard’s route into the lineup is even more congested than it has been for most of the season already.

Christian Norgaard runs with the ball in Arsenal training and Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard stand behind him — Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images

Norgaard has made 19 appearances for Arsenal so far this campaign, debuting in the Champions League, providing a couple of assists in the FA Cup, and playing a part in the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge.

It certainly shouldn’t be a campaign Norgaard will have many regrets about, but the fact is he’s made 10 starts in all competitions, and none of them were in the Premier League.

In recent weeks, Norgaard hasn’t even always made the squad, sitting out against Newcastle United and West Ham. Injuries to Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori may create the space for him to return against Burnley, but the recent exclusions are a sign of his fringe role at Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Christian Norgaard and Bukayo Saka during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Wigan Athletic on February 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images) — Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images

Norgaard announced his international retirement earlier today, citing his desire to spend more time with family. But you’d think that without the international fixtures for minutes, he’ll want to be playing a lot more club football next season.

If Lewis-Skelly indeed has a future in midfield for Arsenal, Norgaard will probably need to move on to get those extra minutes in 2026/27.

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