Christian Norgaard completes €8m move from Arsenal to Everton

Norgaard, 32, has signed for the Toffees after just one season at the Emirates following his €11million 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 with the midfielder entering the final year of his contract.

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 continuing talks over a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

The Brazil international remains one of Arsenal's leading midfield targets as Arteta looks to strengthen his options ahead of the new Premier League season.