Arsenal announce first summer signing as mass exodus response starts

Arsenal have announced the signing of Lucas Nygaard having joined the club as a free agent after leaving FC Nordsjaelland and enjoying a successful trial. The Danish keeper left the club in his homeland in January and has been without a club since but will become part of the youth setup.

The Gunners have lost a number of goalkeepers lately including Arthur Okonkwo, Matt Hillson, Hubert Graczyk, Noah Cooper and Ovie Ejeheri. Karl Hein signed a new deal with the club but football.london understand the Estonian international is likely to leave the club on loan.

“I’m really pleased to finally be here," Nygaard told the Arsenal website. "I have a good feeling in my stomach.

“As you all know, Arsenal is a big football club and I was really happy when my dad told me there was some interest and I was going here on a trial. I’m a modern goalkeeper who likes to play with my feet. I’m also good on the line, making great saves.

“I played for FC Nordsjaelland who also like the goalkeeper to play a lot, so they did a great job developing me. I’m looking forward to playing games again and winning a lot of games next season while developing.

“I’ve chosen Arsenal because I could see they like to play out from the back and that feels really good. The people around the club have been really great, so it wasn’t a hard decision.”

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Nygaard could be part of the squad which travels to the United States on the club's pre-season tour next month. He will now compete for places in Mehmet Ali's under 21s squad for next season.