YEARS FOR GUNNERS
Jorginho won’t flop like others EVERTON v ARSENAL
MIKEL ARTETA insists Arsenal’s €13.6m deadlineday swoop for Jorginho has not bought another Chelsea pensioner with his best days behind him.
Gunners fans did not greet the Italian midfielder’s arrival at the Emirates with street parties or bunting — even though 31-year-old Jorginho’s track record at Stamford Bridge reads like the credits rolling on a Hollywood movie.
Arteta made his move for the 2021 European Footballer of the Year after Mohamed Elneny required knee surgery, which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season, and Brighton rejected two bids for Moises Caicedo. And the Arsenal boss admitted: “Unfortunately you don’t always get it right, but we put all the work and intention to make it work — and I am confident that this one will be good.”
Success
The Gunners’ recent shopping for Chelsea castoffs has not been an unqualified success.
David Luiz won the FA Cup in 2020 but came in for criticism for his displays in defence, Willian (one goal in 37 appearances) was a flop and, going further back, William Gallas did not win a trophy in four years at the Emirates.
But Arteta is convinced Jorginho’s leadership will be a priceless asset in a critical month for Arsenal’s thrilling title chase.
He could be pitched into the bearpit atmosphere of Goodison Park, where Arsenal have lost three and drawn one in their last four visits to relegation-haunted Everton, if Thomas Partey fails to shake off a rib injury.
“Every time you sign a player you generate some debate,” added Arteta.
“Maybe they don’t have experience, maybe they are too young, maybe he’s not that well-known.
“But we do a lot of work behind the scenes to try to understand exactly the profile we need.
“With the latest news on Mo’s injury, we needed a player in that position and Jorginho is someone I have always admired, a great character and someone who is going to bring leadership quality.
“He is going to help the team a lot with his intelligence, his personality