Steve Nicol says Arsenal’s transfer deadline day capture of Jorginho from Chelsea is the ‘smartest piece of business in any window for a long time’, as he told ESPN.
The Anfield legend added that the answer of ‘what happens if Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey get injured?’, has now been answered with the arrival of Jorginho.
The man Mikel Arteta really wanted during the January transfer window was Moises Caicedo, but despite his plea to leave his club on social media, those at the Amex Stadium stayed put and kept their star midfielder.
That forced the Premier League leaders to change tact and push for the trophy-winning experience of Jorginho, who secured a £12 million transfer from money-crazy, Chelsea.
It drew a mixed response from fans, but at the end of the day, Arsenal are sitting at the top of the league and Arteta and Edu Gaspar’s judgement has to be trusted.
And it’s a deal that has been well and truly backed by Nicol, who also feels the fear of injury to players will now be eased.
“I would say the signing of Jorginho is probably the smartest bit of business in any window for a long time,” said Nicol. “We have spoken about it. What happens if Xhaka or Partey get injured?
“We have just had that question answered. Imagine being able to turn around and sign a player of his quality, his ability, and most importantly, his experience.
“We talk about the inexperience in that Arsenal first XI, with all the young kids. You go and you can sign a Champions League winner, a European winner with his country and a great player, by the way.
“The guy is a good player. I am not sure what’s gone wrong at Chelsea, he hasn’t seen the field. But the guy is a player. It has to be the smartest piece of business in this window.”
EVERTON THE FIRST TEST…
From playing for a tenth-placed side to now challenging for the Premier League title, Jorginho’s task-in-hand has changed big time over the space of a few days.
The first step is a trip to Merseyside and a clash against strugglers, Everton, who are sitting in the danger zone, but they did beat Arsenal last season.
Whilst many expect Arteta’s side to seal the points here, it needs to be added that Sean Dyche is in the Goodison Park dugout and fans will be hoping he can bring that much-needed manager bounce.
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