Transfer: Top signing, he’ll protect back four – Paul Merson on Arsenal’s latest recruit

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has hailed the signing of Jorginho from Chelsea amid the divided reaction from the club’s supporters.

In a stunning deadline-day transfer, Jorginho is set to switch from Chelsea to Arsenal in a £12million deal.

The Gunners have been desperate for midfielder cover following the ‘significant’ injury to Mohamed Elneny as Mikel Arteta’s side looks to win their first Premier League title in 19 years.

After failing to prize away Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, despite offering £75million for the young Ecuadorian, Arsenal have turned their attention to Jorginho, whose contract with Chelsea will expire at the end of the season.

Jorginho will sign a contract to stay at the Emirates until the summer of 2024, following four-and-a-half successful years at Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup.

However, Merson believes the Italy international will protect Arsenal’s back four, adding that he is an intelligent player.

He told Sky Sports: “You are buying experience as well. He has won big trophies, and he is a proper holding midfield player.

“You were only talking about two years ago when Chelsea won the Champions League.

“I know he is two years older, but he is so intelligent. He will protect the [Arsenal’s] back four. He will be feeding Odegaard. He will be feeding Saka and Martinelli. For me, he is a top signing, and he knows the game