Arsenal midfielder completes surprise exit shortly after Real Betis defeat
An Arsenal player sealed a move away from the club just minutes after the Gunners suffered a 3-1 pre-season defeat to Real Betis in Dublin.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled throughout the friendly, with goals from Rodrigo Riquelme, Nelson Deossa and former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals securing victory for the Spanish side despite Piero Hincapie finding the net for Arsenal. Arteta admitted his team were frustrated by their display and pointed to several defensive mistakes.
The Arsenal boss stressed that the defeat should serve as motivation ahead of upcoming friendlies against Borussia Dortmund and Como before the Community Shield clash with Manchester City.
Soon after the final whistle, Arsenal confirmed the departure of midfielder Christian Nørgaard, who joined Everton in a deal reportedly worth £7 million after spending just one season in North London. The Denmark international made 20 appearances for the Gunners following his £15 million arrival from Brentford last summer.
Nørgaard explained that he wanted a bigger role on the pitch and was convinced by David Moyes’ vision for Everton. He also praised the club’s passionate supporters and said he was eager to experience the atmosphere at Everton’s new stadium.
Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence at home against Coventry City on August 21.
