Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a surprise move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, as they look to add another midfielder to their squad.
The Gunners re-signed Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan deal, but have been linked with a few midfielders as the transfer deadline day edges closer.
The Athletic had earlier reported that Arsenal were looking to sign multiple players, including a holding midfielder.
Arsenal could let Lucas Torreira move to Atletico Madrid, which could improve their chances of signing Thomas Partey. Jorginho is being seen as an alternative to Thomas Partey as per Sky Sports, should the Gunners fail in their bid to sign Partey.
Jorginho to Arsenal – How will he fit in?
Partey and Jorginho might play in similar positions, but the two are different type of players. Both would add something different to the Gunners and improve the overall quality of the team, but in their own ways.
Arsenal re-signed Ceballos because of the Spaniard’s ability on the transition; he is an excellent box to box player. However, he can also play the role of a deep-lying playmaker. Jorginho, however, specializes in that playmaking role, and his arrival could free Ceballos.
Last season, and the season before, Jorginho had a few critics who claimed the Italian wasn’t directly involved in goals, nor was he a player who could break moves. However, they often overlooked his ability to circulate possession under pressure, and his impeccable positional awareness.
Granted, tacking might not be Jorginho’s strongest of abilities, but his presence in the Arsenal midfield would only make their style more efficient as he is someone tailor-made for Mikel Arteta’s system.
Jorginho averaged 72.8 passes per game in the 2019-20 Premier League season, and those numbers could go higher if he plays in the current Arsenal team. Although he plays in the holding midfield role, he doesn’t get forward too often, and predominantly breaks play with his positional ability.
Even if Arsenal sign Jorginho, they will still need a ball-winner in the middle of the park. Partey, unlike, Jorginho, is a tough tackler and extremely proficient in aerial duels, so he would add more steel to the midfield, something the Gunners need more at the moment. Whether or not he would fit in seamless is the question as his passing isn’t of the highest quality.
Jorginho’s arrival could potentially see him play in front of the back four, with Ceballos alongside him as the Spaniard is a better box to box midfielder compared to Granit Xhaka. But, if the Gunners don’t sign Partey or someone like him, the will continue to have the soft underbelly that they have had for several years now.
Arsenal would benefit more with Partey’s signing than with Jorginho.
Stats via Whoscored