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Boxing Silvestre: Jorginho is a Top Signing for Arsenal But He Needs Legs Around Him
After being knocked out of the FA Cup last week by title challengers Manchester City, Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend. They face up against Sean Dyche’s Everton team who will be hoping their new gaffer can provide the new manager bounce, to help in their hopes of staving off relegation. We sat down with former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre who shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s January 2023 transfer window.
In this article:
- Thoughts on the Jorginho Signing
- On Trossard Signing
- Jacob Kiwior Signing and His New Role at Arsenal
- Arsenal Impressed Against City Despite Lineup Changes
- Failed Pursuit of Caicedo & What He’d Bring to Arsenal
Thoughts on the Jorginho Signing
Despite not being able to land their top targets during the January transfer window, Arsenal have been busy as they seek to maintain their excellent start to the season. It was confirmed on the final day of the window that Arsenal had agreed a £12m deal with Chelsea for the acquisition of Italian midfielder Jorginho from rivals Chelsea.
Jorginho brings with him a heap of experience as well as winning medals. Having won the Coppa Italia: 2013–14, Supercoppa Italiana: 2014, UEFA Champions League: 2020–22, UEFA Europa League: 2018–19, UEFA Super Cup: 2021, UEFA European Championship: 2020. Silvestre believes that Jorginho will bring a wealth of experience as well a technical security on the ball which will only be enhanced by the style of play implemented
“I think Jorginho is a top player but in comparison to the other teams fighting for the Champions League, he’s not as dynamic.”
“He’s more of a ball player and his positioning is excellent.”
“Quality, yes. But he will need legs around him to cover ground like Kante.”
“He’s not Caicedo, but I think given the ambition of Arsenal to win the title and maintain that position on the top, I think it’s a good move.”
“He’s bringing a lot of experience, he’s won the Champions League. I think it’s an excellent backup plan if he’s playing with dynamic central midfielders.”
On Trossard Signing
It is well known that Arsenal had been chasing the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk for several weeks and it appeared that he was destined to become a new member of Arteta’s team. Out of nowhere appeared Chelsea and their endless streams of money.
The Blues were able to pip the Gunner to the signature of Mudryk and so Arsenal set their sights elsewhere. Elsewhere being Leonardo Trossard. Silvestre believes both Trossard as well as fellow new signing Jakub Kiwior will be fringe players who will add depth and quality to the squad.
“Trossard was clearly not number one on the list. It was Mudryk.”
“Both signings are fringe players but they will add quality.”
“I don’t expect them to start but they are quality players that fit Arsenal’s style of play. They are not expensive so they are good purchases.”
Jacob Kiwior Signing and His New Role at Arsenal
22 year old Jacob Kiwior joins Arsenal from Spezia Calcio on a long-term contract. The Polish international will be hoping to make his mark as soon as possible but faces stiff competition with the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel all in great form.
Silvestre feels as though an injury or suspension may be Kiwior’s way into getting some minutes on the pitch and showing North London what he has to offer.
“As soon as the right opportunity arises I think the manager will give him his debut.”
“Once you sign you want to be on the pitch as soon as possible.”
“When you sign in the January transfer window it’s even more important Because everyone in the squad has been together and you’re playing catch-up.”
Arsenal Impressed Against City Despite Lineup Changes
Silvestre has been massively impressed with Arsenal and Arteta throughout the season. After watching the FA Cup tie between Arsenal and Manchester City last friday, the Frenchman took note of the way Arsenal remained loyal to their style of play despite the six changes that Arteta made to the starting line up.
“Yeah it shows how much the style of play is ingrained into all the team members. Doesn’t matter if it’s the regular starters or other players are starting, the plan remains the same, play football with urgency, with courage, with imagination and quick transitions.”
“Everybody is getting attuned to when they have to step in and play.”
“Mikel has not been at the club long enough so it’s a good sign that everybody is up to speed and performed the way they did.”
Failed Pursuit of Caicedo & What He’d Bring to Arsenal
The transfer window has now been slammed shut and with that Arsenal’s hopes of securing the services of Moises Caicedo. Brighton remained stubborn and determined to hold onto Caicedo at least until the summer. However, despite the huge amounts of money Arsenal would have had to spend on Caicedo, Silvestre doesn’t believe he would have unseated Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey.
“I think he would have been a backup to start but one for the future. Young, energetic, understands the game and very committed offensively and defensively. Might be one for the summer.”
“He’s done well at Brighton but I think the fee for me is a bit too much.”
“He’s a good player and he would fit in the Arsenal way.”
