Arsenal midfielder completes Everton move after just one season
Christian Norgaard has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Everton after spending only one season at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta’s midfield undergoing another significant change this summer.
Everton have officially confirmed the 32-year-old’s arrival on a two-year contract. The fee has not been disclosed by either club, although reports have placed the deal at around £7million.
Norgaard made 20 appearances in all competitions during Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign, but only seven came in the league. His limited playing time ultimately left the former Brentford captain looking for a bigger role elsewhere.
Norgaard revealed after completing the transfer that he had spoken extensively with Arteta about Everton.
The Dane said Arsenal’s manager had only positive things to say about both the club and David Moyes, having spent six-and-a-half years at Everton during his own playing career. Norgaard believes the move now gives him an opportunity to take on greater responsibility.
His departure comes at a particularly interesting moment for Arsenal.
ReadArsenal reported on Wednesday that Arsenal have agreed a £75m deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, with the Brazil international now moving towards the final formalities of his transfer. That addition dramatically changes the depth available to Arteta in central midfield.
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino were already competing for minutes before Guimaraes entered the picture. Myles Lewis-Skelly can also operate centrally.
Norgaard therefore risked becoming an even more peripheral figure.
His influence should not be judged purely by minutes. Arteta repeatedly valued his experience and leadership during Arsenal’s title-winning season, while several members of the squad spoke positively about the standards he brought behind the scenes.
On the pitch, however, Arteta rarely turned to him when Arsenal’s biggest games were in the balance.
That makes a permanent departure sensible for both parties. Everton gain an experienced Premier League midfielder, while Arsenal clear another squad place just as a considerably more prominent midfield addition prepares to arrive.
The Guardian reports that Arsenal and Newcastle have reached a £75m agreement for Guimaraes, with the Brazilian expected to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Norgaard arrived to provide security behind Arsenal’s established midfielders. One year later, his exit underlines just how much higher Arteta is attempting to push the level of competition.
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