Everton are now set to sign Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard, and he could be the short-term signing they need as David Moyes continues reshaping his midfield.
The Merseysiders have already invested in younger talent, with Hayden Hackney joining from Middlesbrough after being named the Championship’s player of the season, while Merlin Rohl’s loan from Freiburg was made permanent.
Tyrique George has also returned from Chelsea after spending the second half of last season on loan at Everton.
However, experience and defensive discipline were still required in midfield.
Idrissa Gueye left when his contract expired, removing a player who remained important to Moyes despite reaching the closing stage of his career.
James Garner, Everton’s player of the season, has also undergone groin surgery. He is expected back around the beginning of the campaign, but his absence has further exposed the lack of established cover.
Norgaard will help address that problem.
The Denmark international spent six seasons with Brentford, making 196 appearances and becoming club captain.
He was central to their promotion in 2021 and later established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable holding midfielders.
During his final Brentford season, Norgaard scored six times in all competitions. His defensive work was just as valuable, registering 49 Premier League interceptions, the joint-second highest total among midfielders.
Arsenal signed him for £10 million plus possible bonuses last summer after Jorginho and Thomas Partey departed.
His experience, leadership and knowledge of the division made him a sensible depth option for Mikel Arteta, but regular opportunities proved difficult to find.
Martin Zubimendi quickly became Arsenal’s first-choice defensive midfielder, while Declan Rice and Mikel Merino offered further competition.
Norgaard consequently made only seven Premier League appearances, starting once and playing 106 minutes, although he featured more frequently in cup and European matches.
Given Arsenal are now closing in on Bruno Guimarães, Norgaard’s departure is best for all parties.
Everton set to sign Christian Norgaard after reaching agreement with Arsenal
David Ornstein now reports that Everton have reached an agreement in principle with Arsenal for the 32-year-old, with Norgaard ‘set to join’ Moyes’ side.
The deal still requires formal completion, but the proposed fee is understood to be around £7 million.
Norgaard is expected to undergo his medical next week before finalising the transfer.
At that price, Everton would be adding a proven Premier League operator without committing a major part of their summer budget.
He can screen the defence, anticipate danger and organise the players around him, while his threat at set-pieces provides another useful dimension.
Norgaard would not represent a long-term answer at 32, and Moyes will need to manage his workload carefully.
However, Everton already have younger midfielders in Hackney, Rohl and Tim Iroegbunam who can benefit from his experience.
For Arsenal, the move would recover most of Norgaard’s initial guaranteed fee after a season in which he remained on the fringes.
For Everton, it looks like a practical attempt to replace some of Gueye’s defensive influence while giving Moyes the leadership and depth his midfield currently lacks.