Paul Merson says Jorginho could leave Arsenal after just a few months (Picture: Sky Sports)
Paul Merson says Arsenal pulled off an ‘absolute masterstroke’ to sign Jorginho in January – but admits he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if the former Chelsea midfielder moved on this summer.
Italy international Jorginho joined Arsenal on an 18-month contract in the previous transfer window after ending his four-year association with Chelsea.
The 31-year-old, who won the Champions League and Europa League at Stamford Bridge, has made a promising start to his Arsenal career and was instrumental in the crucial comeback win against Aston Villa last month.
Jorginho has proved a dependable replacement for Thomas Partey, who has been struggling with a muscular injury, and Merson described him as a ‘phenomenal signing’.
But despite hailing Arsenal’s move for Jorginho, the former England winger still believes Jorginho could be on the move this summer.
‘The Jorginho signing has been an absolute masterstroke from Arsenal,’ Merson told the Daily Star. ‘They have played an absolute blinder and I have said it all along.
‘He has been integral to all of their last three wins and it came just at the right time after Thomas Partey was struggling with a muscle injury.
Jorginho joined Arsenal from London rivals Chelsea in January (Picture: Getty)
‘Edu also deserves massive credit for what’s going on at Arsenal. He and Mikel Arteta are the brains behind their transformation. You can just picture them sitting around tables at London Colney racking their brains together.
‘You only have to look at the January transfer window. I thought Jorginho was going to be a phenomenal signing and that’s exactly what has transpired. It was just so clever in every way imaginable.
‘He might not even be there next season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he left this summer but it doesn’t matter. It’s just the way Arsenal are thinking, they’re doing everything they can to maximise their chances of success.’
Premier League leaders Arsenal also signed Brighton forward Leandro Trossard and Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior in January.
Merson has been impressed by Trossard’s start at the Emirates and says the Belgium international even has the talent to play for defending champions Manchester City.
‘Leandro Trossard looks like another sublime piece of business, you’d think he was an Arsenal player anyway on the basis of how he’s settled at the club,’ Merson added.
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‘He’s stepped in and done a great job and even when Gabriel Jesus returns, Trossard can play where Gabriel Martinelli plays. They have so many options.
‘It’s a snip at just £27million. Trossard could play for Manchester City in my book, he’s that talented. I think the Aston Villa game was the key moment for Arsenal – it was the match that displayed their title credentials.’
Arsenal will look to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday when relegation-battlers Bournemouth travel to north London.
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January transfer window – FAQs
‘He might not be there next season.’