Everton agree £7m deal for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard
Everton have agreed a £7m transfer with Arsenal to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard, with the 32-year-old granted permission to undergo a medical on Merseyside.
The Toffees are currently finalising the finer details of the move as manager David Moyes looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.
The Denmark international only arrived at Emirates Stadium from Brentford last summer, primarily serving as experienced cover in the middle of the park.
However, impending midfield additions in north London have pushed the veteran further down the pecking order, paving the way for his departure.
Moyes seeks European push
Everton narrowly missed out on European qualification last season and have been extremely active in the summer market to bridge that gap.
The Merseyside club have already secured deals for Merlin Rohn, Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney to strengthen their options.
This impending arrival represents a low-risk investment for a player renowned for his outstanding professionalism and tactical reliability.
Despite being recruited as a squad option, the former Brentford enforcer will expect more regular first-team football at Goodison Park.
An ‘immaculate’ professional
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heavily praised the Scandinavian’s work ethic and adaptability during their Champions League campaign last season.
“Christian Norgaard, who is a player who probably prepares the best out of all of them and is somebody who makes all of us better every single day and can play in any position, any condition, whether he plays more or less minutes, his attitude is always immaculate, and that’s a really good example for all of us.”
The Spanish coach also lauded the midfielder’s clarity regarding his squad status following a Carabao Cup victory.
“He did very, very well. But I’m not surprised that when we brought him and we had those discussions, he understood perfectly what his role was.”
Alongside the pursuit of the Danish master of preparation, negotiations remain ongoing regarding a potential move for Canada World Cup defender Alistair Johnston.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed discussions are taking place, although the full-back’s recent appearance in their season-opener suggests a deal is not immediately imminent.