Arsenal fans will be disappointed with the lack of transfer activity, but they should be worried if Wenger splashes the cash on Jose Jurado, a squad player at best...
Yet another squad player for Arsene Wenger?
Arsenal fans will be disappointed with the lack of transfer activity, but they should be worried if Wenger splashes the cash on Jose Jurado, a squad player at best…
Who is he?
Throughout his teens, the Arsenal target fit the bill as a footballer who would become a regular for Real Madrid and Spain. Jurado played for his country up to U-21 level, but couldn’t make the leap required to stake a permanent place at the Santiago Bernabeu where he was raised.
Instead, Jurado was forced to move to rivals, Atlético Madrid, to find a home, but it was only when the Rojiblancos sent the midfielder on loan to Mallorca to get regular football in the 2008-09 season that Jurado began to rebuild his confidence. On returning to the Vicente Calderón for the following season, the Andalusian was an ever present for the club in la Liga, featuring in all 38 Primera games as well as 24 other matches.
This consistency alerted Schalke who made a move that was seen as a very surprising one in Spain at the time by bringing the player to the Bundesliga for €13m. Jurado then played a key role in the German side’s remarkable Champions League run.
Jurado is technically very proficient, has great stamina and doesn’t mind a 50 match season
Strengths
As a footballer, Jurado is very versatile and able to play across the centre of the park (but preferring the right-hand side) where he is a creative midfielder but far from being in the same class as David Silva or Andrés Iniesta. As to be expected with his footballing formation with Real Madrid and Spain, Jurado is technically very proficient, has great stamina and doesn’t mind a 50 match season. He is also capable of the odd spectacular goal.
Weaknesses
Jurado is very much a decent quality squad player for a Champions League side such as Arsenal rather than being a footballer who is going to be an instant starter and someone to lead the team or take a match by the scruff of the neck (if such a thing is possible).
Chances of signing him
The midfielder has spoken of enjoying a different life in the Bundesliga alongside Raúl at Schalke and seems perfectly happy to stay there. Whether or not his German club may want to cash in on the Spaniard while their Champions League run is fresh in the mind remains to be seen. However, Schalke will at least want to see Arsenal match or improve the fee paid to Atlético Madrid a year ago.
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