Mikel Arteta can understand supporters’ scepticism after Arsenal’s deadline-day deal for Jorginho – but the manager is ‘confident’ they will not scarred by signing another ageing player from Chelsea.
Jorginho joined for an initial £10million after Arsenal failed to land Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
The move prompted unease among some supporters, after Willian made the same move in 2020 and struggled.
‘Every time you sign a player you generate some debate – maybe they don’t have experience, maybe they are too young, maybe he’s not that well known or whatever,’ Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton.
‘This is football.. Unfortunately you don’t always get it right but we put all the work and intention to make it work. I am confident that this one will be good.’ Jorginho was Arsenal’s third January signing alongside Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.
They missed out on big-money moves for both Caicedo and winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who ended up at Chelsea.
When it was suggested that Arsenal must have plenty of cash leftover for the summer, Arteta said: ‘I don’t think it works like that… we need to maintain the discipline and respect (in the transfer window).’
Arteta knows victory tomorrow could damage his old club’s survival hopes. Sean Dyche has taken over at a club hamstrung by instability and Arteta said: ‘For any club, when you have ownership, directors, the manager, players, staff all on board, with the same direction, the same purpose… it’s very powerful.
‘On the contrary it’s really damaging and really difficult to build on anything.’