Arsenal have already signed one new central midfielder, but more recruitment in that area is needed.
Andrea Berta has landed Martin Zubimendi in a £50m move from Real Sociedad, which can be seen as a real coup for Arsenal given the fact Liverpool pushed to sign the Spain international last summer.
However, Mikel Arteta could still use some more depth in that department, and Gary Neville has now shared his thoughts on the midfield at Arsenal – making an interesting comment about Jorginho.
Gary Neville says Arsenal lack a midfielder who can control the game
Speaking on The Overlap, the 50-year-old praised both Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, but conceded that neither are capable of truly controlling a game from central midfield.
Neville did, however, say that he feels Jorginho is “the best” Arsenal have at doing that, although Arteta is about to lose the Italy international on a free transfer after he agreed terms with Flamengo.
🚨🔴⚫️ Jorginho set to join Flamengo on free transfer, here we go!
Plan confirmed since January and deal set to be sealed for the midfielder who’s leaving Arsenal in June.
Three year deal until 2028 at Flamengo verbally agreed, as @venecasagrande reports. Jorginho said yes. pic.twitter.com/jx0WWVk7T7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2025
The Sky Sports pundit said: “Arsenal, in midfield. I think Declan Rice is a brilliant player, I think Partey is a very good player (but) I don’t think they’ve got anybody that can control a football match properly in the top games.
“I think they really struggle on that. I think Jorginho is the best of them. I’m surprised you (Paul Scholes) don’t see that they need someone who can get on the ball and keep it moving. I know (Martin) Odegaard (can do it) but I think they struggle sometimes.”
Mikel Arteta could also lose Thomas Partey for nothing
The midfield situation at Arsenal could get worse before it gets better.
Like Jorginho, Partey also sees his contract expire at the end of June, so the Ghana international could leave on a free transfer this summer if the situation is not resolved.
Despite signing Zubimendi, Berta is still searching for reinforcements in central midfield, with Arsenal keen on Andrey Santos – although it will surely be tough to convince Chelsea to sell the Brazilian wonderkid, especially to a direct rival.
