There were a couple of things I was wary of when we were first linked to Jorginho - length of the contract, transfer fees, and his wages because they would eventually impactour ability to spend big on the midfield upgrade in the summer.
However, signing him for 18 months is something I can live with even though he is another over-the-hill Chelsea surplus signing. The big difference with this signing compared to the others though is very clear. Each of the previous players we signed were for the first team and were expected to raise the ceiling of the team at that time. With Jorginho, he is being signed primarily as a back-up to raise the floor of the team. That is what this window has been about. I, like most of the Arsenal fans, am hardwired to hate him (Chelsea connection, antics on the field etc.) but no one can seriously state that he isn't streets ahead of Elneny and Sambi. He was the engine in a CL and Euros winning squad 18 months ago and while he has declined, he is still very useful and tidy, especially as a back-up.
We have a maximum on 26 games left this season (19 in the league +7 in the EL if we go all the way) and if things work out, he won't even have to play more than 10. We just need to give him the EL games and if Partey is still in the red zone, Jorginho can easily come in and play against teams like Everton, Bournemouth, Palace etc. at home without us missing too much. Even games like Leeds and Soton away, where we struggled in the second half to control the game, I think he would be brilliant to come in and dictate the tempo.
Overall, this is a low-risk, ready to go, floor raising signing that can propel us to the title. Especially considering the experience he will bring as well. I think people's dislike of him and our past experiences of signing Chelsea players is clouding the judgement of a lot of people.
Just don't let him take penalties, that's all.
P.S. - Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho.
