Simon Jordan believes that Mikel Arteta deserves the backing of the Arsenal supporters questioning the imminent arrival of Italy international Jorginho from Premier League rivals Chelsea, speaking to talkSPORT (31 January, 10am).
So, Arsenal appear to have given up on Moises Caicedo and turned to Jorginho. The footballing equivalent of opening the Argos catalogue with the intention of buying a new kettle and ending up with a microwave.
If Caicedo has made his name as one of Europe’s most exciting young ball-winners, then Jorginho is a player renowned not for destruction but for distribution. He’s 31 too. Chelsea’s number five is a whole decade older than the Brighton and Hove Albion battleaxe.
But Jordan feels, given the job Arteta is currently doing at the Emirates Stadium, that Arsenal’s head coach deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Arsenal will sign Jorginho from Chelsea after giving up on Brighton’s Moises Caicedo
“Ultimately that deal (for Caicedo) couldn’t be done,” says the former Crystal Palace owner. “They’ve liked at Jorginho as a back-up plan.
“I’m seeing a lot of Chelsea fans saying I’d send him round in a cab!
“Arteta’s currently must be incredibly high. If he didn’t want Jorginho, why would (Arsenal) be there? (Arsenal fans say) ‘In Arteta we trust’. Then, surely, we must have the same logic of it (regarding transfers).”
Arsenal, according to The Independent, have agreed a £13 million deal with Chelsea. Brighton, in contrast, wanted close to £100 million for Caicedo; a player who, while undeniably talented, has started fewer than 30 Premier League games. Caicedo was on loan at Belgian outfit Beerschot just 13 months ago too.
Arsenal are also reportedly keen on Ibrahima Bamba of Vitoria de Guimaraes. His agent played down a potential move to North London last week.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad was another on Arteta and Edu’s radar. Arsenal could potentially revisit this deal in the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
