‘Proper’ - Arsenal fans will love Paul Merson’s transfer verdict

Paul Merson is impressed by Arsenal’s signing of Jorginho.

The Gunners are all-but certain to snap up the Chelsea veteran, who had been allowed to move into the final six months of his contract at Stamford bridge. Arsenal were left with a need to add depth to their midfield, with Mohamed Elneny picking up an injury.

Brighton star Moises Caicedo was said to be Arsenal’s first choice, but amid struggles to strike a deal with the Seagulls, the Gunners turned to experienced Chelsea star Jorginho, who has been part of winning squads both at club and international level. Arsenal are gunning for a Premier League title this season, and it’s an opportunity for Jorginho to win his first league title in England.

The transfer has received some crticisim, given it doesn’t carry the glitter of a £70million or more deal, much like the one that would have seen Caicedo move to North London had the Gunners’ efforts been successful. But Jorginho has proven himself more than effective at Premier League level, and that’s what makes this signing an impressive one, according to Arsenal legend Merson.

“I think it’s outstanding. You are buying experience as well,” he told Sky Sports. “He’s won big trophies. He is a proper holding midfield player. We were only talking about, two years ago when they won the Champions League and he won the Euros, we were saying ‘why don’t England produce one of these players?’. Two years on and Arsenal could be getting him.

“I know he’s two years older, but he’s so intelligent. He’ll protect the back four and he just keeps it simple. He will be feeding Odegaard. He will be feeding Saka and Martinelli. For me, he is a top signing. He knows he won’t be playing every week. But he will bring experience and calmness. I call it a cup of tea.”