that’s why he’s not a 6 same as rice. If u watch them they do t show well for the ball and do t often read things ahead more so react
TBF to Lokonga he is only 23 and hasn't played much in the last year sadly. I wouldn't expect such a player to execute 6 to an elite high level - it is one of the hardest positions to learn. I recall when Toni Kroos moved from 10 back into deep midfield and it took him several years to get to grips with it.
+1 People seem to be struggling with the difference between: 1. A 6 month emergency loan as Ninny injury cover 2. Signing a top midfielder for 70m on a long term deal 3. Signing a squad player on a long term deal as Ninny replacement I get the impression Arsenal are looking at option 1 for Jorginho in case option 2 does not pan out. Option 3 could be in play more generally, given Ninny is already 30, is on one year deals and can't play football properly. But I'd expect they look at that in the summer. Doesn't seem a priority right now.
That's fair, but there's a difference between "he looks like he has the tools to play the 6" and "it's like he's never even thought of playing the 6 before." Sambi also isn't showing enough on the ball to be worth the risk either. Even Guendouzi showed more during his time here.
This is why I expect they will either sign a top player on a big deal, or try to loan someone with experience. If it's a loan, then the comparison is like for like i.e you are trying to get someone not significantly worse than Elneny, to get back to the position you were in. Also, the top midfield cover for 6 may well be Zinchenko
An alternative to Zinny might actually be Ben White, as I think the Ukranian is very important as our LB. I think Tommy can replicate what White offers better than Tierney can replicate Zinny.
I think if you do that, you are basically saying Tielemans is the new Elneny (who is only on a one year contract anyway).
I've always felt that Tielemans is the Partey backup, but this season has changed my mind a bit. Given Xhaka's role, I wonder if Tielemans might be more suited there, with his passing. The Partey feels like it needs someone more athletic. Like, even Elneny is more defensively mobile than Tielemans.
I think their goal is they have Partey, Rice and Xhaka for 3 positions. Then someone else is the 4th midfielder, who won't be as good as those guys. Not sure how Caicedo fits with that though, as at that price, you assume he is being seen as a starting player, unless Arsenal is going full Man City and wants 4 high quality CMs? Maybe they are already playing for the wind down of Partey
Isn't ESR a potential for the no.8 role that Xhaka plays, assuming Vieira is more the Odegaard backup.
It's the perfect illustration of how Chelsea's irrational market making drives huge marginal inflation for everyone. Caicedo (55m bid) is the backup plan for Enzo at an absurd 115m bid??? So Arsenal can't close Caicedo, because Brighton will wait for any deadline day bid, plus the price is also driven well above 60m. Whereas without all this nonsense it would be 40-50m?
Edu raus! Via @David_Ornstein: Arsenal have accepted that Brighton’s position on Caicedo is not a bluff - the player is not for sale.#AFC now actively working towards agreeing a deal for Jorginho. Arteta a key voice in decision.@TheAthleticFC 🔴⚪️https://t.co/Q02SOSpb0M— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) January 31, 2023
Arsenal and Chelsea, in direct contact to negotiate final fee for Jorginho deal — the clubs are in negotiations as reported yesterday. [emoji599][emoji836]️[emoji837] #AFC Jorginho has already accepted to join Arsenal, ready for medicals once clubs reach full agreement. £10 million fee rising to £12 million agreed apparently Arteta, big fan of the player.
Why on Earth after selling soooo many players over the last few seasons are Brighton suddenly holding out on selling Caicedo ?? They bought him for about £3 million not too long ago and have just rejected Arsenals latest offer of £70 million !! It’s a typical Brighton deal surely .. it’s how they roll … why change now ?
It could be a bluff by Arsenal. i.e, Brighton are waiting to see if Chelsea come back Seems clear effort by Arsenal to brief friendly media that "Arteta has decided to walk away" which means Brighton might miss out if Enzo deal happens
Things seem to be moving fast Jorginho to Arsenal, here we go! Deal agreed on £12m fee, Chelsea accept conditions and documents are being prepared [emoji599][emoji836]️[emoji837] #AFC Personal terms agreed, contract until 2024 with option further year. First contact revealed yesterday night — medical booked. Arteta, key factor.
Sky have this as well now So it seems he is being signed as the 4th midfielder - I guess with the idea they sign Rice in the summer, and get rid of Lakonga or Ninny. Short deal of 1.5 years. I don't hate this deal. He is a better player than Ninny or Lakonga, and has lots of EPL experience in a top side. So you would feel if he had to start some key games, he wouldn't shit the bed. IMO a safer backup than the Brighton kid. Jorginho to Arsenal close to being agreed. All parties hopeful and willing to get deal done in time. Told not an alternative to Caicedo as Arsenal ready to do deal IF Brighton change their stance (very very very unlikely!) #AFC #CFC https://t.co/1KRHSJSXhe— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) January 31, 2023
Interesting clip !! Throwback to when Arsenal were 1-0 up and completely dominating Chelsea, Lampard realised his mistake and bought Jorginho on, he instantly took control of the game and completely dominated Arsenal’s midfield, by dropping a midfield masterclass.pic.twitter.com/eaFdZ2i85P— Fagioli appreciator (@Brolinski4JDP) January 30, 2023
At some point they have to hold on to some players. They probably don't have a replacement for him, and they probably see him as being key to securing European football. Other clubs want progress too you know. It's not like they cant sell him in the summer
Stats bomb James likes the deal sigh... I like Jorginho as a short term depth option too :(— James Yorke (@jair1970) January 31, 2023