Arteta’s ‘best value’ Arsenal signing hailed after Newcastle win, Edu knows what to do

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Data analyst Ben Mattinson has now hailed one Arsenal star as being one of Mikel Arteta’s most savvy transfer market acquisitions. 

Jorginho produced an imperious performance in the middle of the park for Arsenal against Newcastle United on Saturday night.

The 50-cap Italy international was able to use all of his experience to dictate the pace of the game at the Emirates Stadium, particularly in the first half. The 32-year-old was always well-positioned to receive the ball, and constantly looked to play it forward progressively, between the Magpies’ defensive lines.

With one particularly eye-catching pass, Jorginho was able to to pick out an angled run in behind the defence being made by Gabriel Martinelli. When the ball came to him, the Brazilian attacker was then able to deliver it across the six-yard box for Kai Havertz to sweep it into the back of the net.

Many Arsenal fans were seriously impressed by Jorginho’s display against the Tyneside outfit. This was not the first time in recent weeks, either, that the veteran has demonstrated his enduring quality. The former Chelsea man was also exceptional in the Gunners’ 3-1 win against Liverpool, when he proved that he could be a perfect foil for Declan Rice in the Arsenal midfield unit.

Mikel Arteta certainly values what he brings to the team too. Arteta has confessed that he considers Jorginho to be a world-class player, and with Thomas Partey still sidelined with injury, his importance in the squad cannot be underestimated. 

Mikel Arteta and Edu urged to resolve Jorginho future

However, as things stand, the Brazil-born ace is set to become a free agent this summer. The Gunners do have the option, due to a clause in his existing contract, to trigger a one-year extension on his deal. Despite clamour for Jorginho to kept at Arsenal, though, the club are yet to take up this option. 

After his performance against Newcastle, pressure will surely be growing on sporting director Edu to activate this extension clause. It is, in fact, hard to fathom why this has not already been done.

Data analyst Ben Mattinson, writing on X, is desperate for Arsenal to keep Jorginho around. He said, “Jorginho for £10m has to be one of the best value signings Arteta has made and will make. Need him to sign the extension ASAP. The dynamics of him and Rice works so well in these big games with Havertz up top. Absolutely love it.”

It will be fascinating to see if Arsenal take a firm course of action, one way or the other, regarding Jorginho’s future in the coming weeks. In the meantime, though, Arteta will continue to lean on the player as his side look to mount a successful title challenge.