Rio Ferdinand fires warning at new Arsenal signing Jorginho after Chelsea switch
Rio Ferdinand has told Jorginho that he's a "stop gap" as he expects Arsenal to recruit a new midfielder in the summer.
The Italian was one of the headline movers on deadline day, swapping Chelsea for the Gunners in a £12m switch. Jorginho's contract was winding down and the club opted to move him on with the Premier League leaders looking for some midfield cover.
Thomas Partey's injury has caused issues, given his solid performances this term, and Jorginho could now fill the void alongside Granit Xhaka if the Ghanaian is not available. The former Napoli man is now 31 and, whilst he could play a vital role going forward, Ferdinand sees him as a short-term solution and believes the Gunners will go again in the next transfer window.
He said on the FIVE YouTube channel : "I’ve been known to criticise Jorginho and just to clarify that, I was criticising him because the way Chelsea played when he first got there, it didn’t help him. There were too many big spaces around him and he was being exposed physically, with a lack of pace and dynamism.
"They changed the way they played with and without the ball and got bodies near him to help him and that made him a better player. Whatever you think of him, he’s a fine passer of the ball, especially cutting through the lines, he keeps it ticking, we saw that with Italy in the Euros.
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"He’s a fine technician on the ball and I think he will be a point of difference to Partey. He can come in if need be and fill that gap with the experience he’s got. I don’t see him being a starter for Arsenal, I’ve got to be honest. I don’t think Jorginho is a long-term signing. He’s a stop-gap and they will get a big midfielder in the summer."
Jorginho has penned an 18 month deal at Arsenal with the option of a further year (Getty Images)Will Arsenal sign a new midfielder this summer? Have your say in the comments section
Jorginho has rebuilt his reputation at Chelsea having initially been criticised when he followed Maurizio Sarri to west London. He's remained a regular this term, but the arrival of Enzo Fernandez may have changed that.
Former Gunner Paul Merson was thrilled with the arrival, especially given the price, and believes the player is wise to the fact he won't feature every game. He told Sky Sports : "He's so intelligent, he'll protect the back four and he just gives it simple. He'll be feeding Odegaard, Martinelli and Saka. He's a top signing, he knows the game, he knows he won't be playing every week, if everyone is fit.
Jorginho could make his debut for the north Londoners when they face Everton at Goodison Park this weekend. Mikel Arteta said: "Jorginho has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here. We are so pleased to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club.”
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