Arsenal chief Edu learned his lesson despite Jorginho transfer criticism

Arsenal’s transfer for Jorginho has received a lot of criticism from the club’s supporters. Many expressed their disappointment, and in some cases their anger, on social media after the transfer was announced.

There is some reasoning behind this reaction. Arsenal fans were excited to see Moises Caicedo join the Emirates.

At 21, he would be a long-term signing and he looked set to become a record transfer for the club. However, Brighton have held firm and maintained that Caicedo will not be sold at any price during this window.

In the end, if Arsenal had put £100m on the table, they could have accepted it. But the hierarchy of the Gunners is categorical: they do not want to overpay for a player.

Mohamed Elneny’s knee injury, confirmed by the club on Tuesday to be serious, has seen Mikel Arteta go in search of a new midfielder. Caicedo probably would have been a summer target if the Egyptian hadn’t suffered from the problem during a training session two weeks ago.

LIVE of the day of the transfer deadline: Arsenal accept Jorginho as Man Utd offer the striker from Atlético.

Arsenal tried to advance a deal for Caicedo but it didn’t work out. But instead of being content with a limited number of bodies in midfield, a short-term option should be brought.

Jorginho might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if it’s Arteta’s, that should be enough for Arsenal fans.

And sporting director Edu seems to have learned from past mistakes. Jorginho recently turned 31, so he will immediately become the oldest member of Arteta’s squad if Cedric Soares completes an expected late transfer from the club.

For some fans, it is reminiscent of previous schemes which saw Arsenal sign aging players from Chelsea on expensive deals. Petr Cech, David Luiz and Willian were not successful acquisitions.

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But this time, Edu is only ready to sign Jorginho on an 18-month contract. There will be an option to extend it for a further year at the club side, but Arsenal will not be tied down in the long term.

If in 18 months Jorginho has proven he is an important player, Arsenal can keep him. Otherwise, they can let him go.

Arsenal fans are understandably disappointed and see similarities to previous failed transfers. But Caicedo is clearly a prime target and Arteta must think a deal is possible this summer.

Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the table but needed to replace Thomas Partey. There are far worse options than a player who has started 19 Premier League and Champions League appearances this season.

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