What Jorginho Said After Joining Arsenal From Chelsea And How Gunners Players Reacted

As a result, Chelsea were willing to sell the 31-year-old and sanctioned his move to London rivals Arsenal shortly before the transfer deadline.

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Jorginho says the chance to work with Arteta was a big factor in his decision to join Arsenal and admits he was ‘surprised’ when the Gunners approached his team to discuss a January move.

‘He was a big influence because I know that he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes,’ new Arsenal signing Jorginho said of Arteta.

‘So of course, he had a big influence. I’m very excited for this new challenge, and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch to be honest!

‘Everything has happened so fast. I was a bit surprised, but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge.

‘It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.’

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While Jorginho’s reputation at Chelsea was on the decline, he helped the Blues win the Champions League and Europa League after arriving from Napoli in 2018.

He joins an Arsenal team who boast a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League and says facing Arteta’s side earlier in the season was ‘tough’.

‘It was tough, it was a hard time! Even in pre-season we had a friendly match, and I could feel and see that Arsenal would do very well this season,’ he said.

‘So, when we faced each other again at Stamford Bridge, it wasn’t a surprise for me at all.’

Asked what he will bring to Arsenal, Jorginho added: ‘I’ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It’s what I always bring with me.

‘I try just to help with the experience I’ve had in my time with the other clubs and anything I can do just to help the team to achieve more and more, that’s my target.

‘All I can promise is that I’m going to give my all to represent this club.’

Jorginho could make his Arsenal debut on Saturday when the Gunners travel to Goodison Park to face Everton, who recently appointed Sean Dyche as their new manager.

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How Arsenal’s squad reacted to Mikel Arteta signing Jorginho from Chelsea

Jorginho’s deadline-day move to Arsenal has gone down ‘very well’ with the Gunners squad, who believe the former Chelsea midfielder can contribute to their Premier League title push.

Italy international Jorginho moved to the Premier League leaders on deadline day in a deal worth £12m.

The 31-year-old, who won the Champions League and Europa League at Stamford Bridge, has signed an 18-month contract at Arsenal with the option of a further year.

The Gunners turned their attentions to Jorginho after having two bids for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected.

Jorginho became Arsenal’s third January signing following Poland defender Jakub Kiwior and Belgium forward Leandro Trossard.

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It is claimed the players and staff at Arsenal are ‘excited’ by his arrival and believe Jorginho will have an important role to play as the Gunners seek a first league title since 2004.

There is a feeling among the squad that Jorginho’s technical ability and experience will be invaluable, with Mikel Arteta determined to sign a new midfielder to provide competition and cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson is also excited about Jorginho’s arrival at his former club, telling Sky Sports: ‘I think it’s an outstanding signing.

‘You are buying experience as well. He’s won big trophies. He is a proper holding midfield player.

‘We were only talking about, two years ago when they won the Champions League and he won the Euros, we were saying “why don’t England produce one of these players?”