Arsenal surprised many when it emerged they had identified Jorginho as a potential signing to strengthen their midfield options on deadline day. Chelsea were pushing on in their pursuit of a British record deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica as the Gunners made their move for the Italy international.
With Albert Sambi Lokonga sealing a loan move to Crystal Palace, Jorginho's arrival adds experience and quality to a key area for Mikel Arteta. Sporting director Edu Gaspar had attempted to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, but after two failed bids the attention turned to the 31-year-old.
The Blues accepted a £12million offer for Jorginho to allow him to move across the capital and complete a switch to the Premier League leaders. Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko were two of the first players to welcome the new signing to the club as Arsenal now prepare to face Everton on Saturday.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta facing Bukayo Saka penalty dilemma as Arsenal confirm £12m Jorginho transfer
Despite the signing of Jorginho, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expects the Gunners to be in the market for another midfielder in the summer. Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are set to be the top targets for Arteta and Edu with both players valued higher than £80million.
Ferdinand believes that the Italian midfielder is just a 'stop-gap' for the remainder of the season, and that the Gunners will be on the lookout for a big deal in the summer. The ex-United star said on his YouTube channel: "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."
The 31-year-old has signed an 18-month contract at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners will hope his arrival can reinforce their Premier League title challenge as they aim to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004. Midfield will be the focus once again in the summer but Arsenal will face serious competition from Chelsea, United and other rival clubs for Rice and Caicedo.
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