Havard Nordtveit has become the latest of Arsenal’s
young talents to leave the club on loan after joining Lillestrom in
his home country of Norway.
The 18-year-old is yet to make his first team appearance for The
Gunners but is highly-rated in the halls of power at Emirates
Stadium and will return to the club on August 1.
Signed from FK Haugesund in July 2007, Nordtveit was quickly
handed the captain’s armband for the club’s reserve side and was an
unused substitute in the final game of last season – a 1-0 win at
Sunderland.
After a loan spell with Arsenal’s Spanish partner club Salamanca
ended prematurely earlier this season, the talented defender now
hopes to gain valuable experience with Lillestrom.
“It is extremely important for my experience to play,” Nordtveit
told Lillestrom’s official website. “I hope to get time and play to
win points.
“It is something Arsenal want us young people to do and I
believe it is very important for me right now.”
Nordveit is now looking to advance his game under the watchful
eyes of former Manchester United defender Henning Berg, who manages
Lillestrom.
“He has played in The Premier League and knows what this is
about,” Nordtveit added.
“He has all the answers I need and I think the move here will
help me.”
Nordtveit is the 14th young player currently out on loan at
Arsenal, with the likes of Jay Simpson (West Brom), Armand Traore
(Portsmouth), Henri Lansbury (Scunthorpe) and Rui Fonte (Crystal
Palace) all enjoying time away from the club.