The young Dane is returning to Arsenal after a positive senior loan, but reports of a free transfer may not be accurate.
Lucas Nygaard has been linked with a move to Halmstads BK, with the Swedish club reported to have made initial contact over a deal for the 19-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper, who turns 20 on 26 June.
According to Expressen, HBK want to sign Nygaard as they search for a replacement for William Lykke, who has returned to Nordsjaelland.
Oscar Linnér had initially been in the frame, but the focus may now shift towards the young Danish goalkeeper, who the media in the country say could form part of a goalkeeping pair with 27-year-old Tim Rönning.
Nygaard spent last season on loan at Brabrand IF in Denmark’s third tier, making 13 appearances and keeping three clean sheets.
His spell there will not be extended, with Brabrand sporting director Andreas Rasch-Christensen confirming the decision before the loan comes to an end.
“He’s going back to Arsenal now, we’re not extending the deal,” Rasch-Christensen told Tipsbladet. “What’s going to happen after that, I don’t actually know.”
That should not be read as a sign that the loanwent badly. Brabrand appear to have been more than satisfied with Nygaard’s development, while Arsenal are said to have wanted the goalkeeper to gain experience in senior football before taking the next step.
“We have been really happy with the collaboration – Arsenal have been too,” the sporting director added. “The intention was for Lucas to have more hair on his chest through some senior football, and he has got that.
“[Extending the loan] hasn’t really been part of the discussions. My impression has been that they want to take some further steps with Lucas. We had been open to extending the agreement…it has been Arsenal’s wish that something else should happen.
“We have been happy with the level he has shown, especially in the matches. We have been really satisfied with it. He has also saved points in some matches. His greatest strength is on the line, he is fast, a top-class shot stopper.”
Expressen report that Nygaard’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of the month and that he could therefore be available on a free transfer. That, however, does not appear to be correct.
Arsenal are understood to rate the goalkeeper highly, and it seems unlikely they would be willing to lose him for nothing just two years after bringing him to the club.
For Arsenal, the decision is now whether Nygaard’s next step is another move into senior football, a step-up to the senior Arsenal side, or a permanent transfer if the right offer arrives.
Brabrand have done what Arsenal wanted them to do, giving him senior experience and a clearer sense of the demands beyond academy football.
HBK may now offer the next opening, but the key point is that Nygaard’s loan ending does not necessarily point towards the end of his Arsenal career.
On the evidence of Brabrand’s comments, Arsenal are still very much invested in his development.
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