Arsenal praised for ‘really clever business’ as pundit explains what Partey has that Jorginho doesn’t

Jason Soutar
New Arsenal signing Jorginho passes the ball

Danny Murphy believes the signing of Jorginho is “a really clever piece of business” by Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners confirmed on deadline day that the Italian midfielder had joined from Chelsea for a reported £10million fee, which could potentially rise to £12m.

The signing received mixed reviews throughout the Arsenal fan base, with some upset to see Mikel Arteta go in for another aging Chelsea player.

Another reason Arsenal fans were not happy is that they had been trying to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton before settling on the Italian midfielder.

For the reported fee and contract length (18 months), it is a low-risk signing who provides depth in a position Arteta needed to bolster.

Jorginho is likely to be utilised as a No. 6, slotting in just in front of the back four, in the role that Thomas Partey has thrived in this season.

Danny Murphy shares the same view as me. I never thought I would ever say that. He believes Jorginho is a good signing who can only help Arsenal stay on top of the Premier League.

The former midfielder told talkSPORT: “It’s a really clever piece of business that.

“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 sceptiscim comes from to be honest with you. For the price – what is it? £12m? – It’s a great piece of business that.”

Arsenal are believed to be lining up a summer move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

It is unclear whether or not they will go back in for Caicedo after having two bids knocked back by Brighton.

Caicedo last week informed Albion he wished to leave in an open letter posted on social media, prompting the club to give him time off until after the transfer window closed on Tuesday evening.

The 21-year-old said on Instagram that he was “proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton” but did not specify which team he wanted to join.

He hoped Albion would understand why he wished to “take up this magnificent opportunity”.

The Seagulls were adamant they had no intention of selling and, after successfully fending off interest for the time being at least, have now welcomed Caicedo back to training.

Caicedo was absent for Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over Liverpool at the Amex Stadium.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said before and after the fourth-round tie that he wanted the player to finish the season with the Sussex club.

Caicedo, who arrived from Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in 2021 and is under contract until 2025, has made 26 league appearances for the high-flying Seagulls, scoring twice.

Albion return to action when they host Bournemouth in the top flight on Saturday.

De Zerbi’s side sit sixth in the table, five points behind fifth-placed Tottenham but with two games in hand.

READ MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd among the Premier League 2023 January transfer window winners