Christian Norgaard leaves Arsenal for Everton

Christian Norgaard leaves Arsenal for Everton Everton have secured the former Brentford captain, ending a transfer that never developed as many expected at the Emirates. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League Christian Norgaard ‘s time at Arsenal has come to an end after Everton completed the signing of the experienced midfielder, bringing the curtain down on a brief spell in north London just one year after his arrival from Brentford . When Arsenal signed Norgaard last summer, the move appeared to make plenty of sense. Brentford’s captain arrived with extensive Premier League experience and looked an ideal option to provide depth and leadership in midfield. It did not work out that way. Mikel Arteta rarely turned to the 32-year-old when Arsenal’s biggest matches arrived, preferring instead to rely heavily on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi throughout the campaign. Norgaard finished the season with just over 1,000 minutes across 20 appearances. In the Premier League he played only 101 minutes, spread across seven substitute appearances against Fulham (1′), Burnley (13′), Sunderland (1′), Chelsea (14′), Brighton (10′), plus 45 minutes against Crystal Palace on the final day after Arsenal had already secured the league title. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Arsenal paid around £10 million to sign Norgaard from Brentford, with a further £2 million in potential add-ons. Given his age, he signed a two-year contract with the option of a third season. The Gunners will now reportedly receive around £7 million from Everton, representing a respectable return on a player who will turn 33 before the end of next season and was never expected to be a long-term investment. Norgaard’s departure also reflects Arsenal’s midfield hierarchy. Despite his experience and leadership qualities, he was unable to force his way ahead of Rice and Zubimendi, with Arteta consistently placing his trust in his first-choice pairing. Speaking to Everton’s official website 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. “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.” Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images