Arsenal have reached an agreement to sell Christian Norgaard to Everton as they close in on a deal to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Norgaard arrived from Brentford just a year ago for an initial fee of £10million, but found minutes hard to come by in Mikel Arteta’s last season.
The Danish midfielder made 20 appearances in all competitions, but started just one Premier League game as the Gunners secured their first title in 22 years.
And Norgaard now appears set to leave Arsenal as they revamp their midfield options, with The Athletic reporting that a £7m deal has been agreed with Everton.
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The 32-year-old is expected to undergo a medical next week before completing his move to the Merseyside club.
Norgaard would be Arsenal’s second sale of the summer after Leandro Trossard joined Besiktas for £17m.
Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge to replace Trossard, while Illan Meslier has signed from Leeds United to serve as a back-up goalkeeper to David Raya.
Norgaard’s impending departure comes as Arsenal look to complete an £80m deal with Newcastle for Guimaraes.
The Gunners have made Guimaraes their priority midfield signing but have already seen bids of £55m and £70m rejected by Newcastle.
However, reports in Brazil on Saturday suggest that Arsenal have now finalised an agreement, which will see them pay £70m up front, plus a further £10m in add-ons.
The 28-year-old midfielder was expected to return to training with Newcastle on Monday, but has reportedly asked to delay his travel to the club’s pre-season training camp as he looks to finalise a move to the Emirates.
Elsewhere, Arsenal still hold out hope of completing a blockbuster move for Vinicius Junior, who has only 12 months left on his contract with Real Madrid.
Last year, the Brazilian rejected an offer of a new deal worth €20 million (£17.1m) net per season, while Madrid are refusing to include a renewal bonus as part of the Brazilian’s package.
Madrid now want to end uncertainty over his future, but have informed the winger that their latest proposal is final and that there will be no further increase.
And should Vinicius refuse those terms, Madrid will look to sell the winger, with a move to Arsenal one that ‘appeals’ to the 26-year-old.
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