Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains decision to sign Jorginho from Chelsea

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Jorginho’s experience will be a massive asset to the club in their push for the Premier League title, while the Italian has revealed that the Gunners tried to sign him previously.

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Shortly before Tuesday evening’s transfer deadline, the north London club confirmed they had agreed a £12million deal with Chelsea to sign the Italy international.

The Gunners were dealt a massive blow when Mohamed Elneny was effectively ruled out for the season and Arteta had been desperate to reinforce his midfield, with a move for Moise Caicedo repeatedly blocked by Brighton.

Arsenal quickly switched focus to Jorginho, who only had six months left on his contract with Chelsea – when he would be able to leave on a free transfer – and managed to secure a cut-price deal.

Arteta has been a fan of the 31-year-old since he was a coach at Manchester City and is delighted to land the midfielder, believing he will bring plenty of important traits to his young Arsenal squad.

‘Jorginho is a midfield player with intelligence, deep leadership skills and a huge amount of Premier League and international experience,’ the Spanish coach told Arsenal’s website.

‘Jorginho has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here.

‘We are so pleased to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club.’

Asked about the role Arteta played in his decision, Jorginho himself said: ‘Yeah of course it was a big influence because I know he tried a few times before and it didn’t happen because of other reasons, not because of my wishes. So of course it had an influence.

‘I’ll try just to add, just to help with the experience that I have from my time at other clubs and anything I can do actually just to add and help the team to achieve more and more – that’s my target.’

Reflecting on what it has been like facing Arsenal this season, the Italian continued: ‘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. So, when we faced each other again at Stamford Bridge, it wasn’t a surprise for me at all.

‘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.’

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