Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that allowing midfielder Christian Norgaard to depart the club this summer was a challenging decision. Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that the 32-year-old Danish international has completed a permanent move to Everton after just one season at the Emirates Stadium.
Title winner departs for guaranteed first-team minutes
Norgaard, who joined the Gunners from Brentford in July 2025, made 20 appearances across all competitions to help Arteta’s side secure the Premier League title last season. Despite valuing his contributions to the squad, the manager acknowledged the midfielder’s desire for consistent playing time at this point in his career.
“I am very thankful for what he brought to the club, how he helped us to win,” Arteta said. “It was difficult to let him go. I understand it’s a stage in his career that he needs to play and fulfill as well, all their dreams, but we are forever thankful.”
