The influential role Mikel Arteta played in Christian Norgaard to Everton after 'positive' words

Mikel Arteta may be owed a thank you by Everton after the signing of Christian Norgaard.

The Toffees confirmed the arrival of the Dane on Wednesday, who put pen to paper over a two-year deal at Hill Dickinson.

The midfielder only joined Arsenal for £10million last summer, plus an additional £2m in add-ons, but has left with a Premier League winners' medal.

David Moyes' side paid a reported £7m for the 32-year-old, who will most likely act as the replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The Blues already have James Garner and Hayden Hackney as likely starting options, though more cover was always going to be needed after Gana Gueye's exit.

Moyes will be delighted to land Norgaard, especially after receiving a reference from his former player, Arteta.

How Mikel Arteta played big part in Christian Norgaard's Everton move

Norgaard brings a wealth of Premier League experience with him, having played top-flight football with Brentford for four seasons.

The Denmark international played 20 times for Arteta and Arsenal last campaign, with six of those 20 being in the Champions League.

He had world-class competition in front of him, with the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard all proving extremely difficult to knock out of the side

However, he may have more chances of playing at Hill Dickinson.

According to The Athletic, Everton received "glowing" character references for Norgaard directly from Arteta.

He was spoken about in "positive terms" and was valued very highly at the Emirates, even though he didn't always play.

The player has since gone on to admit the part that Arteta played in convincing him that Everton was the player to come after the latter spent time being managed by Moyes many years ago.

Norgaard will now be hoping to make his own legacy at Hill Dickinson.

The comparisons already being made about Norgaard at Everton

Moyes is far from finished in the market after the arrival of Norgaard, with the Toffees keen on several more additions.

Krepin Diatta is the latest name on Everton's transfer radar, with Alistair Johnston also edging closer to joining the Blues.

Norgaard isn't the most exciting signing on the surface, but some Evertonians have already outlined the effect that he could have at Hill Dickinson.

Gareth Barry has been used as an example of how Norgaard can surprise everybody, despite him now at the backend of his career.

Norgaard could make himself somewhat of a legend at Everton like Barry did, as the former Manchester City man went on to play over 150 times for the Toffees in midfield, despite his age.