Arteta pays tribute after departure of Arsenal midfielder is confirmed | OneFootball

Danish midfielder Chistian Norgaard was absent from Arsenal’s squad for Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly against Real Betis in Dublin as he finalised his move to Everton.

Norgaard, 32, has signed for Everton after just one season at the Emirates following his £10m move from Brentford last summer, with the original deal including a further £5million in potential add-ons.

Although highly regarded by Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff for his leadership and professionalism, Norgaard found first-team opportunities limited as Arsenal swept to the Premier League title last season.

He made just seven league appearances, with his only start coming on the final day of the campaign, and the Gunners have opted to cash in.

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Arteta frequently praised Norgaard’s influence around the training ground, where his experience proved valuable within Arsenal’s youthful squad, but the player was keen for regular first-team football.

Norgaard travelled with Arsenal to Spain for last week’s 4-1 victory over Girona but was an unused substitute before being left out of the squad for the trip to Dublin as the move gathered pace.

His departure is expected to accelerate Arsenal’s pursuit of a replacement, with the club working to finalise the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

Speaking after Arsenal’s pre-season defeat to Real Betis on Norgaard’s exit, Arteta said: “Well, he played a tremendous role for us. When I brought him here I said that he could be our group player.

“An incredible capacity to bring people together, to keep the standards high. When he played he had some really good moments as well. But I understand that to fulfil that role for a long period is not easy. He had a massive opportunity with a manager and a club that I know really well.

“We wish him all the best and thank you.”

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