Everton complete signing of Christian Norgaard from Arsenal

Everton have completed the signing of Danish midfielder Christian Norgaard from Arsenal. The 32-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with the transfer fee undisclosed. Reports indicate the Toffees are paying around £7m for the player, who moved to Arsenal from Brentford last year for £15m. Norgaard was not included in Arsenal's squad for their midweek friendly against Real Betis. He featured 20 times for the Gunners in all competitions last season, including seven Premier League appearances, as the club secured their first league title in over two decades.

Norgaard is Everton's third signing of the summer. The Merseyside club have already brought in midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £16.5m and winger Tyrique George from Chelsea for £18m. The 20-year-old George spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park.

Speaking about his move, Norgaard said he was "very intrigued" by the project after a conversation with manager David Moyes, and that "coming here just makes that feeling even stronger." He believes the club is heading in the right direction, pointing to last season as evidence, and noted the quality of the squad and how difficult Everton were to play against.

Norgaard spent six years at Brentford, where he captained the side and made 196 appearances. He will bring experience to Moyes' squad, which has seen the departures of defender Seamus Coleman and midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Additionally, midfielder James Garner is sidelined after groin surgery, and will miss the start of the season. Everton begin their Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 August.