OFFICIAL: Arsenal's Havard Nordtveit Joins Borussia Mönchengladbach

Arsenal has already begun their January shopping, after the news that one of Arsenal's and Europes most promising prospects, Havard Nordtveit, will complete a medical with German outfit Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The Foals have acquired the Norwegian centre half for what is rumoured to be around £800,000. This comes as a huge shock to the Arsenal faithful, as the 20 year old was destined for a strong career at the Gunners.

Signed in 2007 from Norwegian giants FK Haugesund, Arsene Wenger travelled to Norway to personally watch Nordtveit.

A number of former renowned defenders touted the Norwegian starlet as one of the best young defensive prospects in Europe, which ensured Wenger took no time in securing Nordtveit's services for £1.7 million. The youngster immediately made an impression when he arrived at the Emirates. A number of assured performances for the reserves as well as in preseason saw the versatile defender being named Reserve team captain for 2007/2008.

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The following season, Wenger was keen to expand Nordtveit's growth and the Norwegian defender joined an outstanding list of youngsters to experience a loan spell. "Harvey" was loaned to Spanish Segunda side, who boast a healthy relationship with the Gunners, UD Salamanca.

Nordtveit struggled to feature for Salamanca and returned before being loaned to Norwegian outfit Lillestrom SK for the remainder of the 2009 campaign. During his spell at the Canaries, Nordtveit showed great potential in both the centre half and right back roles.

Come 2009/2010, the 20 year old enjoyed a stellar preseason under the eye of Wenger before receiving his first full season loan spell with German giants FC Nuremberg.

Nordtveit was strong for the German side, fulfilling roles as a central defender, right back and a defensive midfielder.

Enjoying 20 appearances with Nuremberg, fans were licking their lips at the prospect of utilizing the young gun for 2010/2011. However, that has not been the case.

Wenger's refusal to grant Nordtveit opportunities, even in the League Cup, has seen the Norway U-21 star grow increasingly frustrated, declining contract advances from the Arsenal board.

Havard's patience has finally diminished and thanks to Wenger's negligence, the Gunners are set to lose a bright future defensive prospect.