3 reasons why Arsenal decided to sign Jorginho on deadline day

Arsenal are set to complete the deadline day signing of Jorginho from Chelsea in a move that’s divided opinion within the fanbase. 

Mikel Arteta made it clear that he wanted another midfielder to bolster his current group before the January window slammed shut, and the Gunners desperately tried to prise Moises Caicedo away from Brighton.

Two extortionate bids were made, but the Seagulls didn’t flinch.

Thus, alternatives were quickly sounded out but when it was revealed that Jorginho was the player Arsenal had turned to, mutiny broke out among supporters. While some were okay with the move, many were discontent given the opportunity that has arisen for the Gunners in terms of winning the Premier League title.

I, for one, wasn’t particularly impressed but it’s a deal that I am coming around to after learning the terms. Jorginho will join for £12m, signing an 18-month contract. It could’ve been much worse. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of supporters who are far from happy with this signing.

3 reasons why Arsenal decided to sign Jorginho on deadline day

Here’s why Arsenal have opted to sign the Chelsea midfielder against the wishes of many fans.

1. Mikel Arteta wanted him

Why did Arsenal move to sign a player unwanted by the majority of the fanbase? Because Mikel Arteta wanted him, and who are we to question the boss?!

Arteta’s talent ID has played a major role in the club’s rise under his tutelage with several unfancied arrivals, including Aaron Ramsdale and, to a lesser extent, Ben White, emerging as protagonists in his project.

The Spaniard was believed to be the driving force behind the Jorginho move, valuing the Italian’s “technical ability, tactical understanding, and experience” according to The Athletic.

If Mikel wants him, so do I. He is always right.

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2. Flaws will be hidden in Arteta’s system

Now, there are understandable reasons why fans aren’t sold on the 31-year-old. While I wouldn’t go as far as saying he’s a liability without the ball, it’s certainly an area where he struggles.

The Italian reads the game well and his positioning is often exemplary, but he’s weak and bereft of any athleticism. He struggles in duels, is unreliable when tasked with engaging high, and simply cannot defend in transition without getting booked.

However, many of these flaws were exacerbated at Chelsea, especially under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. Jorginho was tasked with covering a ludicrous amount of space and he was destined to fail. In more structured and compact set-ups, the Italian generally thrives as there’s less for him to do without the ball.

Arteta’s system is all about control, so not only should we see the best of Jorginho in possession, but the compactness of Arsenal’s structure means many of his flaws will be masked.

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3. Allows Arsenal to go big in the summer

The terms of the deal appeased some supporters, who feared Arsenal would tie Jorginho down for multiple years. But we can live with an 18-month contract.

So, while it’s hugely disappointing that the Gunners weren’t able to land their priority target to aid their title tilt, this move will not compromise their ability to go big in the summer.

Caicedo and Declan Rice are expected to be on the club’s agenda at the end of the season – two additions that could catapult Arteta’s project into another realm.

This move for Jorginho is, in essence, a glorified loan. He provides a short-term fix amid Mohamed Elneny’s injury, but he could also add genuine quality should he be called upon. It’s not ideal, but this move is far from the disaster that I initially perceived it to be.