03 February 2023 , 11:20
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Mikel Arteta has suggested his hand was forced in the January transfer window after Arsenal lost Mohamed Elneny to injury.
Elneny, 30, underwent surgery on a knee issue sustained in training at the end of January and the Egyptian will be out for an extended period of time. Although the midfielder has played a bit-part role this season, his injury left Arteta short of options in the centre of the park and forced Emirates Stadium chiefs to act.
Arsenal swooped on deadline day to sign Jorginho from Chelsea in a £12million deal, adding an experienced and decorated player to a youthful, title-chasing squad. Arteta is delighted to have acquired the Italian's services - but confessed the transfer was a result of having to "adapt to the circumstances".
Speaking on Friday, ahead of the Gunners' Premier League clash with Everton, Arteta was asked whether Jorginho's signing was another example of adding a seasoned player to a young side, having already bought Leandro Trossard, 28, from Brighton. The Spaniard replied: "Yes, and then you have to adapt to the circumstances as well that we had.
"And, obviously, the injury of Mo [Elneny], the significant injury of Mo had to have a plan B behind him that probably wasn't the case before that injury happened. And we have adapted and we have improved the squad."
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Arteta's explanation for why Arsenal signed Jorginho, a Champions League winner and European Championship winner with Chelsea and Italy respectively, came after he picked out four of his qualities. "His intelligence, his personality, his leadership and skill and the way he understands our way of playing and the qualities he has to implement that in football matches," Arteta said as he praised Jorginho. "He's a player that will fit really well with what we want to do."
Does Jorginho get into Arsenal's strongest starting XI? Have your say in the comments!
Mikel Arteta explained why Arsenal signed Jorginho on deadline day (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Jorginho is a deep-lying playmaker who sits in front of the defence, giving Arsenal a different profile to the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. This season, he scored three goals in 25 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.
Jorginho could make his Arsenal debut as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table with victory at Goodison Park in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off. The Gunners have a five-point lead and a game in hand over Manchester City, the defending champions, who travel to Tottenham on Sunday evening.
Arsenal and City still need to face each other twice in the league this season after the first fixture, scheduled for October, was postponed after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Gunners will host Pep Guardiola's side on 15 February before making the trip to the Etihad Stadium on 26 April.