The decisions made by Arsenal in the coming transfer windows in their midfield department will likely determine the success they achieve in the next five years. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have been the main starting duo this season but at 30 and 29, respectively, the Gunners must begin planning for the long term.
Edu sent two official bids to Brighton for Moises Caicedo in the January transfer window, who at 21-years-old, would likely hold down a spot in the Arsenal midfield for several years. But the Seagulls rebuffed those offers and instead opted for a short-term solution which involved signing Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day.
The recent absence of Partey has allowed Jorginho to make two appearances from the start since his move across London. The Italian international has impressed greatly in those games, with Bacary Sagna admitting he thinks Jorginho is perfect for Mikel Arteta and his playing style.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal star who 'makes everyone else better' as £45m issue solved
"Jorginho and Thomas Partey both have their own qualities," Sagna told Premier League Odds. "Jorginho has a lot of experience from his time at Napoli, Chelsea and Italy, he made the right choice in leaving Chelsea and needed something new to step up his game.
"He will be able to have more of the ball at Arsenal and the way they play should suit him perfectly."
Although Jorginho came through the door, the Gunners were unable to fulfil their major midfield aim in the winter window, and that means focus will turn to the summer as a big opportunity for Arsenal to spend big on a player who can be the future of their midfield.
Declan Rice is the top target for the summer, football.london understands. Youri Tielemans and Martin Zubimendi are also both possibilities in the transfer market for the Gunners. Chelsea are also in the race to sign Rice but the West Ham captain is said to have put out feelers over what life is like playing for the red side of London.
Despite being skipper for the Hammers and holding down a place in England's national team, former Premier League player, Emmanuel Frimpong has sent a message to his old club regarding Rice.
"I would not say Declan Rice is overrated but I'd definitely say he's overpriced," he told Midnite "I think Rice is a very good player and very consistent, but he's in a struggling West Ham team. Put him in a thriving Arsenal side that is playing very well, you will see a different Rice.
"He is overpriced, but so is everyone, just look at what Enzo Fernandez went for. I just think it's crazy money for someone like Rice. If he does come to Arsenal, then he definitely has a chance to play at a much higher level, especially in competitions like the Champions League.
"Rice is a good player but I would not say he's one of the best midfielders. I would not rate him in the top five defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but that doesn't mean he is not a very good player."
READ NEXT:
Why Jorginho shouted at Ben White as Arsenal's title hopes restored following Arteta masterclass
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa as White good, Saka shows fight, Martinelli impact
Jorginho silences critics, glorious Martinez – Arsenal winners and losers from Aston Villa win
Arsenal fans react to Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko displays vs Villa
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
