‘I wouldn’t be surprised’ ‘Phenomenal’ Arsenal player tipped to leave the club before next season
Paul Merson is feeling pleased with himself for correctly predicting that Arsenal’s signing of Jorginho from Chelsea in January was an excellent decision.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal made it a priority to acquire a new midfielder, after being linked to Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz during the summer window.
Despite having two bids rejected for Moises Caicedo from Brighton, which was their original target, Arsenal opted for a more affordable alternative in Jorginho, who was set to be out of contract in the summer. The Premier League leaders were able to secure his services for around £12m.
Jorginho has been a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad and his wealth of experience could play a crucial role in the team’s end-of-season efforts.
According to Merson, Jorginho has been an exceptional signing, but he believes that there is a possibility that Jorginho may leave the club at the end of the season.
‘The Jorginho signing has been an absolute masterstroke from Arsenal. They have played an absolute blinder and I have said it all along. He has been integral to all of their last three wins and it came just at the right time after Thomas Partey was struggling with a muscle injury,’ Merson wrote for The Daily Star.
‘Edu also deserves massive credit for what’s going on at Arsenal. He and Mikel Arteta are the brains behind their transformation. You can just picture them sitting around tables at London Colney racking their brains together.
‘You only have to look at the January transfer window. I thought Jorginho was going to be a phenomenal signing and that’s exactly what has transpired. It was just so clever in every way imaginable.
‘He might not even be there next season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he left this summer but it doesn’t matter. It’s just the way Arsenal are thinking, they’re doing everything they can to maximise their chances of success.’
According to Merson, Leandro Trossard’s arrival at Arsenal in January was a fantastic acquisition, considering his previous affiliation with Brighton.
‘With the exception of Albert Sambi Lokonga, what signing have they made that hasn’t been successful? Leandro Trossard looks like another sublime piece of business, you’d think he was an Arsenal player anyway on the basis of how he’s settled at the club,’ Merson added.
‘He’s stepped in and done a great job and even when Gabriel Jesus returns, Trossard can play where Gabriel Martinelli plays. They have so many options.
‘It’s a snip at just £27million. Trossard could play for Manchester City in my book, he’s that talented. I think the Aston Villa game was the key moment for Arsenal – it was the match that displayed their title credentials.’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised’ ‘Phenomenal’ Arsenal player tipped to leave the club before next season
