Jorginho makes honest admission after Arsenal transfer from Chelsea

Jorginho acknowledges that once his £12 million deal from Chelsea was official on deadline day, he was “surprised” by Arsenal’s interest in him.

Jorginho, an Italian midfielder, made the brief journey from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates to become Mikel Arteta’s third acquisition of the January transfer window.

Jorginho’s five-year stint in west London, during which he made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea, was coming to an end.

Because of this, Chelsea was ready to let the 31-year-old go and approved his transfer to London rivals Arsenal just before the deadline.

Jorginho confesses he was “surprised” when the Arsenal approached his squad to explore a January transfer and claims the opportunity to work with Arteta was a key factor in his choice to join the club.

‘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.’

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.’

Jorginho responded, “I’ll try to just offer great energy, hard work, and my experience to help the club,” when asked what he will bring to Arsenal. It’s what I bring with me at all times.

‘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.