How Arsenal will line up with Jorginho

Robin Bairner

Updated: 31 Jan 2023 21:16 GMT
3 min read

Arsenal’s big Deadline Day signing did not prove to be Moises Caicedo from Brighton as they might have wished but instead Chelsea veteran Jorginho.

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The arrival of the 30-year-old Italy international is a transfer that has split Gunners fans, some of whom believe will be an excellent addition to the squad, while others are of the opinion that he is a massive downgrade on what they might potentially have got.

MORE: Chelsea's cheeky Arsenal dig in Jorginho transfer announcement

Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have rarely got things wrong at the Emirates lately, though, so the addition of a proven title winner like Jorginho, is not something to be underestimated.

But how will he fit into the plans of Arsenal as they seek to close out a shock Premier League title success?

This should be a relatively straightforward question to answer.

MORE: Jorginho’s Arsenal squad number revealed

Arsenal with Jorginho

Under Arteta this season, Arsenal have typically varied between a 4-2-3-1 system and a 4-3-3.

Jorginho is unlikely to break into the starting XI immediately regardless of what system the Gunners play, with Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka immovable for the time being. He will get his chance, however, when there is an injury.

And with Partey currently sidelined after an injury against Manchester City, that opportunity could come along presently.

He is expected to be a like-for-like replacement in the midfield for Partey, meaning that he will play alongside Xhaka at the base of the side.

Given his qualities, there will be little need to alter the remainder of the side, with the familiar back four of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko retained.

Odegaard will pull the strings from the No.10 role in Arsenal’s strongest team, flanked by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Gabriel Jesus will return to lead the line, with Eddie Nketiah having outperformed expectations in that capacity in the Brazil international’s absence.