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Arsenal have been hailed by Danny Murphy for the “clever business” of bringing Jorginho in on deadline day.
THE LOWDOWN: SECONDARY TARGET
Arsenal pushed for the signing of Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo from Brighton for the first few weeks of the January window.
Despite the multiple bids and the player’s public desire to leave the Amex, the Seagulls didn’t bulge and they refused to sell their prized asset. Quickly, Arsenal moved on from that disappointment to approach Chelsea for Jorginho.
In a matter of hours into the deadline day, the deal was wrapped up and the Italian made the switch from West London to North London.
THE LATEST: PUNDIT’S PRAISE
Danny Murphy has described the signing of Jorginho by Premier League leaders Arsenal as “a really clever piece of business”
“It’s a really clever piece of business that, said the former midfielder on TalkSPORT.
“Partey is struggling a bit, he doesn’t tend to play a full season. He came off at half-time in the City game. You need some cover.
“I think he is somebody who you know will cope with any high pressure group he’s put into, whether it’s off the bench or starting.
“If they’re still in the race with 10 games to go – which they should be – and Partey’s injured then Jorginho comes in the team and you know what you’re going to get.
“He doesn’t quite have Partey’s physicality but knitting the game together, talking to people around him, knowing the position.
“Anyone doubting him that move, I don’t see where the skepticism comes from to be honest with you. For the price – what is it? £12m? – It’s a great piece of business that.”
THE VERDICT: APT
Arteta and Arsenal were keen to sign an extra midfielder this window following the injury sustained by Mohamed Elneny.
Even after failing to bring in Caicedo, the Gunners were not ready to move on with the season without a new midfielder and eventually went for an experienced figure in Jorginho, which was a smart option as rightly described by Murphy.
The 31-year-old’s experience at topmost level of club football could be able to help the Gunners get over the line in the Premier League title race.
In contrast, many Arsenal fans remain unpleased by the addition of Jorginho though and the jury is now out on the Italian to prove the Gunners’ faithful wrong.
