Jorginho hails Mikel Arteta 'influence' after leaving Chelsea for 18-month deal with Arsenal
- Simon Wilkes
- 31 January 2023
Jorginho admitted Mikel Arteta had a ‘big influence’ on him deciding to leave Chelsea to join Premier League leaders Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
The Italian midfielder has swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium, signing an 18-month deal with the Gunners.
Jorginho arrived at Chelsea in a £57million move from Napoli in July 2018, and has scored 21 goals in 128 league appearances.
On his new manager Arteta, the 31-year-old told the Arsenal website: "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. So of course, he had a big influence."
Jorginho added: "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."
Arsenal have forged a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League - and have a game in hand on Pep Guardiola's defending champions.
The club welcomed their new signing on their Twitter account, saying: "Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho."
