Jorginho’s five-year contract with Chelsea was coming to an end, and he had made over 200 appearances for the Blues.
Jorginho says he was’surprised’ by Arsenal’s interest in him after his £12 million move from Chelsea was confirmed on deadline day.
Jorginho, an Italian midfielder, became Mikel Arteta’s third signing of the January transfer window after making the short journey from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates.
Jorginho’s five-year contract with Chelsea was coming to an end, and he had made over 200 appearances for the Blues.
As a result, Chelsea were willing to sell the 31-year-old, and he agreed to join London rivals Arsenal just before the transfer deadline.
Jorginho says working with Arteta was a big factor in his decision to join Arsenal, and he was’surprised’ when the Gunners approached his team about a January move.
‘He was a big influence because I know he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen for other reasons, not because of my wishes,’ Jorginho, the new Arsenal signing, said of Arteta.
‘Of course, he had a lot of influence. To be honest, I’m very excited for this new challenge and can’t wait to be on the pitch!
‘Everything happened so quickly. I was surprised, but I took advantage of this incredible opportunity.
‘It’s a significant shirt. It’s an incredible club, a large one, and I’m very excited and happy to be here.’
Jorginho’s reputation at Chelsea was on the decline, but after joining from Napoli in 2018, he helped the Blues win the Champions League and Europa League.
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 difficult, it was a difficult time!’ ‘We had a friendly match even in pre-season, and I could feel and see that Arsenal would do very well this season,’ he said.
‘So it was no surprise to me when we faced each other again at Stamford Bridge.’
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 something 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 will do everything in my power to represent this club.’
Jorginho could make his Arsenal debut against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. Everton recently appointed Sean Dyche as their new manager.