JoeI deliberately waited till this morning to pen this post for two reasons. 1) To see who if anyone we signed on deadline day and 2) on a “hunch” that there may be some contract news coming out of Arsenal this morning. Right on both fronts as we signed Jorginho on deadline day and this morning the news that Martinelli put pen to paper on a new deal.
Let’s deal with these individually and then we’ll look ahead to tomorrows match against Everton. So firstly the news that we signed Jorginho on deadline day from Chelsea. Initially I wasn’t impressed but in the cold light of day this makes sense on a lot of fronts. With the news that Elneny is out for the foreseeable future this is clearly a cover signing. When you look at how many minutes Elneny has played this season and then imagine thats Jorginho we aren’t going to see much of him. He also will give us options to rest Partey and or Xhaka. As we return to UEL action soon this is going to be crucial. 18 months is a good deal length as well, he’s not on huge money so its minimal risk. Reportedly Arteta is a big fan and looking at his record that’s enough to me.
Onto the other other news that broke this morning that Martinelli signed a new deal keeping at the club until 2027 with an option of a further year. This has been a stella year for the young Brazilian who is really starting to make his mark. His suitors have been very vocal about their admiration so getting him tied down is a very, VERY good thing. Not that it seems to have impacted his performances but now that’s wrapped up his sole focus can be football. Word is that Saliba and Saka are in active discussions, if we can get those two signed up as well it would be a some very good work from the club.
Now we come to tomorrows match away at Everton. A couple of weeks ago this looked a different prospect but now we have a reunion with our old friend Sean Dyche who, as we all know has caused us problems before. We all know how he’ll setup, it’ll be down to us to break down. News is that Partey will face a late fitness test whilst ESR is definitely out. Let’s see how we go.
COYG!
-Joe