Everton signs Norgaard from Arsenal for £7m as Guimaraes deal nears

Everton have reached an agreement in principle to sign Christian Norgaard from Arsenal for approximately £7 million. The 32-year-old Danish midfielder is expected to undergo a medical next week before completing his move to Merseyside. Norgaard joined Arsenal from Brentford in summer 2025 for £10 million plus £2 million in add-ons but made limited impact at the club, appearing in 20 matches across all competitions with just seven Premier League appearances and one league start.

The transfer marks Everton's second midfield signing of the summer, following Hayden Hackney's £25 million arrival from Middlesbrough. Norgaard becomes Arsenal's second first-team squad player to depart this summer after Leandro Trossard's move to Besiktas. His exit follows Idrissa Gueye's departure as a free agent at the end of his contract, with Everton targeting a physical midfielder for the number six role. Norgaard had been a regular for Brentford across six seasons, making 196 appearances and captaining the club between 2023 and 2025 before his move to north London.

Arsenal's decision to sanction Norgaard's departure signals confidence in completing a separate midfielder acquisition. Reports indicate Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for a fee exceeding £75–80 million. According to multiple sources, talks between the clubs are progressing through intermediaries, with a formal bid expected once a full verbal agreement is reached. Guimaraes has made 153 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, scoring 30 goals and providing 26 assists. His potential arrival would significantly upgrade Arsenal's midfield options alongside existing players Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and emerging prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arsenal have also completed signings of goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United and forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, with defender Piero Hincapie also joining the club. Reports also suggest Arsenal are exploring a potential move for Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, though no bid has been submitted. Newcastle have suffered significant departures this summer, losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in addition to Guimaraes' anticipated exit, and manager Eddie Howe recently departed the club.