Gabby Agbonlahor says ‘it doesn’t make sense’ that Arsenal decided to let Albert Sambi Lokonga leave on-loan to Crystal Palace, whilst securing the deadline day transfer of Jorginho from Chelsea, as he told talkSPORT (02/02/23).
The former Aston Villa striker worries about the lack of legs Mike Arteta’s side will have in the middle of the park, if Thomas Partey isn’t playing and it’s Granit Xhaka alongside Jorginho.
Arsenal pushed for Moises Caicedo again and again during the winter transfer window, despite landing Leandro Trossard from the same club, Brighton held firm with their 21-year-old midfielder.
Added to that, Albert Sambi Lokonga, during the small amount of time he’s been on the pitch, has struggled, no more so than against Manchester City.
Therefore, that need for someone to play that defensive-minded number eight role was needed even more, as Agbonlahor thinks a mistake was made on deadline day.
“It’s a lot of experience,” said Agbonlahor. “He’s been there and won the big trophies. He’s good at organising teams. I look at it from Arsenal’s perspective, first of all, letting Lokongo go. It doesn’t make sense with Elneny out for the season, then you are left with Xhaka, Partey and Jorginho.
“Partey is injury-prone, whenever he plays, you think ‘is he going to make it through?’ If he does pick up an injury and you are left with Xhaka and Jorginho. You are going to have two crabs running through the middle. You need more legs in there.
“I didn’t mind them getting Jorginho. Comes on in games and plays the odd game. I just think letting Lokonga go doesn’t make sense. Keep him. Yes, he’s not been in great form, but he is a similar player to Partey. He has more legs.
“This is the best chance they have of winning the Premier League. They didn’t get Mudryk, they got Trossard, who is a good player. To miss out on Caicedo as well, then bring in Jorginho. I could see why Arsenal fans would be frustrated.”
ARTETA WILL BE PROVEN RIGHT…AGAIN!
From letting Mesut Ozil go many moons ago now to not signing a striker last January, all these calls by Mikel Arteta were initially questioned but have proven to be correct.
They have had long-term benefits, throw in booting out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and then putting Ben White at right-back.
This Jorginho deal will be another tick in the box for Arsenal and perhaps, perhaps that long-awaited Premier League title will be held aloft by Martin Odegaard in May.
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