Everton have completed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window by securing a £7million deal for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard. The 32-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium, arriving from the reigning Premier League champions after just one season at the Emirates Stadium.
Norgaard's limited role at Arsenal
Norgaard, who retired from international football with Denmark on May 12 after winning 41 caps and scoring twice, has made over 200 appearances in English football. However, he played a bit-part role in Mikel Arteta's squad last season, featuring 20 times for the Gunners but starting only seven Premier League matches.
His longest appearance and only league start came on the final day in a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, when Arsenal lifted the trophy. He was substituted at half-time for Kai Havertz.
Player's reaction and club's summer business
Speaking to evertontv after completing the move, Norgaard said: "It feels amazing. I'm so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton. There were many factors to it. I felt I needed a change and to play a bigger football role. When I spoke to David Moyes and others at the Club involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued. Coming here just makes that feeling even stronger."
He added: "Also, my past experience of playing against Everton: the whole atmosphere, the fans, is something I really look forward to experience as an Everton player. It's a big, big honour for me, and it's something I'll do my very best, not only on game days, but in general to remember how much it means for people who support this club. It will be my mindset to represent the club in the best possible way."
Norgaard is Everton's fourth signing this summer. The club activated an obligation to make Merlin Rohl's loan from Freiburg permanent after avoiding relegation, signed Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £16.5million, and renegotiated Tyrique George's price with Chelsea, paying £18million up front instead of taking up a loan option.
Replacement for Idrissa Gueye
Norgaard has been identified as a natural replacement for Idrissa Gueye, who left after seven seasons of service over two spells, making 236 appearances and scoring 10 goals. Gueye, who turns 37 next month, did not play enough games last season to trigger a 12-month contract extension option. Despite negotiations, the departure of Senegal's most capped player was announced on July 24.
