Merson reacts to Arsenal’s decision to sign Jorginho

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has commended the club for signing Jorginho from Chelsea despite the contrary reactions from many of the Gunners fans.

Arsenal in a startling deadline-day transfer announced Jorginho’s switch from Chelsea in a £12million deal.

It is no news that the North London side were desperate to sign a midfielder following the ‘significant’ injury to Mohamed Elneny as they look to win their first Premier League title in 19 years.

Arsenal were unable to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, despite offering £75million for the Ecuador star, but were able to seal a deal for Jorginho, whose contract with Chelsea would have expired at the end of the season.

Jorginho penned a contract to remain at the Emirates until the summer of 2024, following four-and-a-half successful years at Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Merson stated that the Italian star will protect Arsenal’s back four, adding that he is an intelligent player.

He told Sky Sports: “You are buying experience as well. He has won big trophies, and he is a proper holding midfield player.

“You were only talking about two years ago when Chelsea won the Champions League.

“I know he is two years older, but he is so intelligent. He will protect the [Arsenal’s] back four. He will be feeding Odegaard. He will be feeding Saka and Martinelli. For me, he is a top signing, and he knows the game.