Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, David Ornstein has shared what he knows about the signing of Jorginho at Arsenal.
The journalist was one of the first to break news of this deal, and he says that there were some people who were initially sceptical about the idea of bringing Jorginho to the Emirates due to his age.
The Italian has just turned 31, and at that age, it’s fair to assume that he’s past his best, and some were concerned that he could turn out like players such as Willian and David Luiz who underperformed at Arsenal after signing from Chelsea in their 30s.
Initial worries about Jorginho’s age
Ornstein shared what he knows about this deal and some initial worries.
“They certainly think this is a canny signing. There was an initial scepticism on the basis of his age which is a throwback to Arsenal signing others from Chelsea like Willian and David Luiz in a time where they were not so good.”
“Arsenal liked Jorginho. Mikel Arteta was a part of the Man City hierarchy that tried to sign him from Napoli. Arsenal then tried to sign him a few years ago. We’ve seen him embracing Jorginho as he’s left the pitch in the past. We know he’s a high-level player.
“When the news started to filter through to the playing squad and staff it generated a really positive response because players and staff know quality players. The view was that he has a fantastic technical level and tactical level, and vast experience.”
Not as risky
Jorginho’s age is a bit of a worry, but there really isn’t much risk attached to this deal because he’s not being brought in to be a key player.
The Italian likely won’t be starting ahead of either Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the midfield, unlike Luiz and Willian who were brought in to be starters.
Despite his age, Jorginho could well end up being a decent signing.
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