Mikel Arteta hailed the “tremendous role” Christian Norgaard played for Arsenal after completing a £7 million transfer to Everton this week.
The midfielder signed a two-year contract on Wednesday to become the Toffees’ second signing of the summer window, following Hayden Hackney’s arrival from Middlesbrough.
The Denmark international joined the Gunners last year in a £10 million move from Brentford to add depth to their midfield.
The 32-year-old, however, barely played for the north London outfit, making just one start in the Premier League, which came on the final day of the season and lasted 45 minutes. He made 20 appearances in all competitions, 11 of which were starts.
Arteta pays tribute to Norgaard as Everton seal transfer
“He played a tremendous role for us,” Arteta said of Norgaard. “When I brought him here I said that he could be our glue player. He has an incredible capacity to bring players together and keep the standards high.
“When he played, he had some really good moments as well. But I understand to fulfil that role for long periods is not easy.
“He has a massive opportunity with a manager and a club I know really well. I wish him all the best and thank you.”
Read – Arteta ‘optimistic’ on Arsenal transfers despite Vini Jr blow
In his first official club interview after completing the move from Arsenal to Everton, 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 role on the pitch. When I spoke to David Moyes and others involved in the transfer, I heard about the whole project and I was very intrigued.
“My past experience playing against Everton — the atmosphere, the fans — is something I really look forward to experiencing as an Everton player. I remember playing at Goodison when the ground was literally shaking, and when I played at the new stadium last year, I was overwhelmed by how well that soul and intimacy carried over.”
Norgaard’s exit helps make room for Bruno Guimaraes, who is close to completing a £75 million switch to Arsenal from Newcastle United.
Coventry City XI vs Tottenham Hotspur – Predicted lineup and team news
Coventry City visit Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night on six points from six league games, after back-to-back league wins. Frank Lampard’s newly…
Tottenham Hotspur vs Coventry City – Predicted lineup and team news
Tottenham Hotspur host Coventry City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night, still searching for a first league win after six…
Tottenham Hotspur vs Coventry City – Match preview and team news
Tottenham Hotspur host Coventry City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night to close Gameweek 7, with winless Spurs on three…
Paris Saint Germain vs FC Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tips – 20/10/2026
Paris Saint Germain vs FC Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tips – 20/10/2026 Two of European football's heavyweight sides renew hostilities when Paris…
Arsenal XI vs Nottingham Forest – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal visit Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon on 15 points from six league games, looking for a third…
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news
Nottingham Forest host Arsenal at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, with Arsenal on 15 points and Forest on five after six…
Read – Arsenal signing Tzolis earns new nickname after winning fitness test
Read More – Alonso tells Chelsea to explore deal for Arsenal midfielder
See Also – Arsenal’s £128m Vini Jr decision is really about beating January