Everton agree deal to sign Arsenal midfielder Christian Nørgaard

Everton have reached a preliminary agreement with Arsenal to sign Denmark midfielder Christian Nørgaard for about £7m.

The 32-year-old is expected to undergo a medical next week before completing his move to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to The Athletic.

Nørgaard’s arrival would make him Everton’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window. The club have already brought in Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, while they have also activated purchase options for Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl following their loan spells at Everton last season.

Everton’s move for Nørgaard comes after Idrissa Gueye left the club when his contract expired. They have been seeking a defensive midfielder capable of operating as a holding player, with Nørgaard viewed as a potential replacement for the Senegal international.

Nørgaard joined Arsenal from Brentford last summer in a deal worth £10m, with a further £2m available in performance-related add-ons. However, his first season at the Emirates Stadium was limited, with the Denmark international making 20 appearances in all competitions.

Only seven of those appearances came during Arsenal’s run to the Premier League title. His opportunities remained restricted even after Mikel Merino was ruled out with an injury for the final three months of the campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta instead relied more heavily on Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly during that period. Nørgaard’s proposed departure would therefore allow the midfielder to seek more regular first-team football at Everton.

Before joining Arsenal, Nørgaard spent six seasons with Brentford, making 196 appearances for the club. He played a significant role in their promotion to the Premier League and served as captain between 2023 and 2025.

If the transfer is completed, Nørgaard will become the second Arsenal first-team player to leave during the current summer window. Leandro Trossard has already moved to Besiktas.

Arsenal have also made additions to their squad this summer. They signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier after his departure from Leeds United, while forward Christos Tzolis joined from Club Brugge.

The proposed transfer remains subject to Nørgaard completing his medical and the final formalities of the agreement. If those steps are completed as expected, he will strengthen Everton’s midfield with Premier League experience and provide the defensive presence the club have been seeking since Gueye’s departure.