Why Arsenal ripped up transfer plan to bring in Jorginho

ARSENAL laid the foundations for their title charge by trusting young players, but now they are hoping experienced heads can help get them over the line.

- Simon Collings

The Gunners had planned to stick to their recruitment model during the January window by targeting talented youngsters with huge potential.

But, after being priced out of moves for Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo, they pivoted to sign two experienced Premier League players in Leandro Trossard and Jorginho.

It is not how Arsenal usually operate, but they felt they could not waste what is a golden opportunity to win their first title since 2003-04.

Mikel Arteta described his squad as “short” before the start of the window and he will be happy with the club’s business.

Arsenal signed Trossard for £26million, Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior for £21m and then Jorginho in a £12m deal from Chelsea on deadline day.

Jorginho and Trossard will be expected to hit the ground running and immediately add competition to the squad.

The signing of Jorginho has received mixed feedback from supporters, who are perhaps still burned by memories of when Willian joined from Chelsea.