The signing on transfer deadline day explains how the surprising move happened.
Jorginho reveals Mikel Arteta had a 'huge influence' in his departure from Chelsea to Arsenal.
The Gunners swooped in to sign Jorginho on transfer deadline day, parting ways with £12m to bring him in.
Arsenal is desperate to sign a midfielder to rival Thomas Partey, with Mohamed Elneny likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The signing of Jorginho surprised many as Arsenal initially tried to land Brighton's Moises Caicedo. And Jorginho reveals Arteta was instrumental in his move via London to join the Premier League leaders.
"He has a lot of leverage because I know he tried to get me a few times before and it didn't happen for any reason other than my desire," he said. “So of course he has a big influence. “I'm really looking forward to this new challenge and, to be honest, I can't wait to get on the court! Everything happened so fast. I was a bit surprised but jumped at the chance of this amazing challenge.
"It's an important shirt. It's a great club, a big one and I'm very excited and happy to be here."
Jorginho has signed an 18-month contract at the Emirates Stadium, with an option for a further year included in the contract.
After Arsenal failed to catch Moises Caicedo, the Premier League leaders quickly turned their attention to other goals, and powerhouse Chelsea has become the most realistic signing with so little time left. The deal is believed to have had an initial value of £10 million, with an additional £2 million available as an add-on.
Jorginho will wear the number 20 previously shared by Nuno Tavares, Shkodran Mustafi, and Matteo Flamini and face his debut against struggling Everton on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta has been a longtime fan of the former Napoli midfielder and tried to sign him in the summer of 2020 while the Gunners boss was on Manchester City's coaching staff during their interest in the player prior to his move to Chelsea.
“I will try to bring only positive energy, hard work, and my experience to help the team. I always have him with me," Jorginho added.
"I'm just trying to help with the experience I have from my time at other clubs and whatever I can do to help the team achieve more, that's my goal. I can only promise that I will do my best." to represent this club."
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