Everton have completed the signing of Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard from Arsenal on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee, with reports suggesting the move is worth around £7m.
The 32-year-old joined Arsenal last year from Brentford in a £15m transfer but featured only intermittently, making 20 appearances in all competitions and just seven in the Premier League as the Gunners claimed their first league title in 22 years. He was omitted from the squad for a friendly against Real Betis on Wednesday ahead of his move.
Norgaard becomes the latest addition to David Moyes’ squad following the arrivals of central midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £16.5m and 20-year-old winger Tyrique George, signed from Chelsea for £18m after a successful loan spell at Goodison Park in the second half of last season.
After conversations with Moyes, Norgaard said the club’s direction appealed to him, noting that last season showed clear progress and that Everton were a difficult opponent with plenty of quality in their ranks. The Dane previously spent six years at Brentford, captaining the team and making 196 appearances.
Moyes has sought experienced reinforcements after the departures of veteran defender Seamus Coleman, 37, and 36-year-old midfielder Idrissa Gueye. The Toffees will also be without 25-year-old midfielder James Garner at the start of the campaign following groin surgery last month.
Everton open their Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 August.