Everton have strengthened their midfield options by completing the signing of Christian Norgaard from Arsenal, with the Denmark international putting pen to paper on a two-year contract at Goodison Park's successor stadium.
The 32-year-old moves to Merseyside for a fee reported to be in the region of £7m, arriving less than a year after his £15m switch to the Emirates Stadium from Brentford. Norgaard's time in north London proved limited, with the midfielder making 20 appearances across all competitions during Arsenal's title-winning campaign, though only seven of those outings came in the Premier League. His omission from Arsenal's squad for a recent friendly against Real Betis signalled that his future lay elsewhere, and David Moyes moved swiftly to secure his services.
Speaking after the move was finalised, Norgaard expressed his enthusiasm for the switch. "It feels amazing. I'm so, so happy and pleased to have joined Everton," he said. The midfielder explained that a desire for greater involvement on the pitch played a significant role in his decision. "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."
Norgaard also touched on his admiration for Everton's supporters and the atmosphere generated at their matches, recalling previous experiences of facing the Toffees. "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."
The former Brentford captain, who spent six years with the Bees and racked up 196 appearances for the west London club, also spoke fondly of Goodison Park's famous atmosphere and how it has translated to Everton's new home. "I can't wait to experience the atmosphere as an Everton player. Goodison was amazing. I just remember the ground was shaking – literally shaking. Then we came to the new stadium last year and I was so surprised because you often see clubs lose that intimacy and atmosphere at a new stadium. But I was so overwhelmed by how good the atmosphere was as well. So I can see that the soul from Goodison has been brought to the new stadium."
Norgaard also praised the quality within Moyes' squad, noting that Everton's recent progress under the Scottish manager was evident on the pitch last season. "I think the club is moving in the right direction and last year was proof of that. I thought there were so many good players in the team and Everton was so difficult to play against."
The Danish international becomes the third addition to Everton's midfield ranks this summer, following the arrivals of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a £16.5m deal and winger Tyrique George, who joined in an £18m move from Chelsea after impressing during a loan spell at Goodison Park in the second half of last season.
Moyes has prioritised bringing in experienced figures following the summer departures of long-serving defender Seamus Coleman and veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye, both of whom left after years of service at the club. Adding to the midfield concerns, James Garner is expected to be sidelined for the start of the campaign following groin surgery last month.
Everton begin their Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 August, with Norgaard poised to feature as Moyes looks to build on last season's progress.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport and Standard Sport.