Christian Norgaard has completed a £7 million move from Arsenal to Everton, and the Danish midfielder has revealed that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta played a pivotal role in encouraging the transfer. The 32-year-old, who spent just one season at the Emirates Stadium, says Arteta spoke highly of both Everton and manager David Moyes, a man who previously coached Arteta during his playing days at Goodison Park.
Arteta's influence on the transfer
Norgaard, who joined Arsenal from Brentford in a deal worth an initial £10 million last summer, made 20 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, including seven in the Premier League, as they clinched the title. Despite his limited role, he has now moved to Merseyside, where he hopes to secure more regular first-team football.
Speaking at his unveiling as an Everton player, Norgaard shared the advice Arteta gave him about the club. “I spoke to him quite a lot about the potential move at the time and he had only positive things to say about Everton and also David Moyes,” Norgaard said. “He played under him for a long time and the whole experience he had as an Everton player seemed to me as if he had a fantastic time here and really also excelled as a player under Moyes at Everton. Hopefully I can get the same feeling that he had as an Everton player.”
Arteta himself was signed by Moyes in January 2005 during his first spell as Everton manager, and the Spaniard became a key figure for the Toffees before leaving for Arsenal in 2011. That connection appears to have smoothed Norgaard's path to Goodison Park.
A season of mixed emotions
Norgaard admitted that his year at Arsenal was a period of contrasting feelings. While he savored the glory of winning the Premier League, he also recognized that his lack of playing time meant a change was necessary. “It feels amazing. I’m so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton,” he said upon signing. “There were many factors to it. Coming off a season where it was a big move for me, a big change, but also having a different role that I’ve been used to previously.”
He elaborated on his decision: “I felt like coming into this summer I needed a change again, I needed to play a bigger part on the football side of it. When I spoke to David Moyes and I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued. Coming here and seeing everyone just makes that feeling even stronger. I really can’t wait to get started.”
Growth despite limited minutes
Despite starting very few games for Arsenal, Norgaard believes the experience was invaluable for his development. “I think I’m definitely a better player there’s so much that goes on that you don’t see,” said the former Brentford captain. “Most people mention about the minutes you play at the weekend, but I still got to train every day with some of the best players in the world and experience what it takes to win a title. Not just any title but the Premier League.”
He added: “Getting Champions League experience under the belt and longer cup campaigns was an amazing experience. I definitely feel like a better player than when I joined Arsenal.”
Norgaard becomes Everton's fourth signing of the summer, following Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, Tyrique George, who made his loan move from Chelsea permanent, and Merlin Rohl from Freiburg. The Toffees are clearly building for the future under Moyes, and Norgaard's arrival adds experience and depth to their midfield.
