Lee Hendrie thinks Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have ‘panicked’ by securing the transfer of Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea on deadline day.
The former Aston Villa midfielder added that ‘it’s a bit of a gamble’ for Arsenal to sign 31-year-old Jorginho to cover for Thomas Partey.
There shouldn’t be too much of an issue, but Partey did go off with a rib issue during his side’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City last time out.
Added to that, Mohamed Elneny is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines, after picking up a knee injury.
That’s the scare Arsenal needed to tell them that another midfielder, of a defensive nature, was needed before Tuesday’s 11 pm cut-off point.
That’s why Italy’s Euro 2020 winner is now on their books, with Hendrie expressing his surprise at the deal, as he told Sky Sports News (31/01/23).
“It’s almost like it’s a bit of a panic,” said Hendrie. “With Thomas Partey having this scan, which doesn’t seem to be that bad.
“But where they find themselves in the league, at this moment in time, it’s brilliant. It’s great for the Premier League.
“What they are looking at, if that injury is a lot worse or could get worse, then they need a replacement, don’t they?! Thomas Partey has been fantastic this season
“It’s a bit of a gamble, for me – the Jorginho deal would be a stop-gap to fill in for Partey.”
ARTETA’S JUDGMENT
Of course, there will be those who will be pulling their hair out because Brighton’s Moises Caicedo was the one that they wanted.
Despite pushing and pushing for the 21-year-old, Brighton stayed firm and Arsenal didn’t get their man.
It resulted in the current Premier League leaders having to adjust, and whilst many fans didn’t expect Jorginho, Mikel Arteta’s judgment has to be trusted here on the £110k-a-week star.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
