Mikel Arteta tries to downplay fears Jorginho won’t be another ex-Chelsea FLOP

Mikel Arteta can understand fans’ skepticism following Arsenal’s Deadline Day deal for Jorginho – but the manager is ‘confident’ they won’t be hurt by the signing of another aging player from Chelsea.

Jorginho joined for an initial £10m after Arsenal failed to land Moises Caicedo from Brighton.

The move sparked unease among some followers after Willian made the same move and struggled in 2020.

“Every time you sign a player you spark a debate – maybe he doesn’t have any experience, maybe he’s 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’ve put all the work and intent into making it work. I’m confident that this one will be good.’ Jorginho was Arsenal’s third signing of January alongside Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (right) has played down suggestions that new midfielder Jorginho (left) will not find success at the club

Jorginho (centre) joined Arsenal in a deadline-day deal from London rivals Chelsea

They missed big money moves for both Caicedo and winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who ended up at Chelsea.

When it was suggested Arsenal must have plenty of money left over for the summer, Arteta said: “I don’t think it works that way… we have to keep discipline and respect (in the transfer window).”

Arteta believes Jorginho (pictured) will not prove to be yet another aging Chelsea star struggling at Arsenal

Arteta insisted he is “confident this one will be good” when asked about Jorginho

Arteta knows tomorrow’s win could shatter his old club’s hopes of survival. Sean Dyche has taken over a club paralyzed by instability and Arteta said: ‘For every club, if you have owners, directors, the manager, players, staff 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.”