Jorginho Reveals 'Big Influence' Behind His Decision To Join Arsenal From Chelsea

Italian midfielder Jorginho has opened up about the "big influence" behind his decision to move from Chelsea to Arsenal during the January transfer window.

Jorginho, who moved from Napoli to Chelsea in 2018, spent four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge. The 31-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal on a one-and-a-half-year contract as the Gunners paid a transfer fee of 12 million pounds ($14.78 million).

While Arsenal clinched their last trophy in the 2019-20 season by winning the FA Cup, their last Premier League title victory came during the 2003-04 campaign.

With half the league season done in 2022-23, Mikel Arteta's Gunners are five points clear at the top of the table, and they still have a game in hand. In the middle of a fine campaign, Arsenal were hit with a blow when Mohamed Elneny was ruled out for the season due to an injury. Arteta had been desperate to strengthen his midfield, but his efforts failed when Brighton blocked a move for Moise Caicedo.

However, Arteta eventually bagged a midfielder when Arsenal signed experienced Jorginho in the final hours of the 2023 January window.

Speaking in an interview after the announcement, Jorginho revealed that Arsenal boss Arteta played a "big" role in his move from Chelsea to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

"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 said, as per Arsenal's website.

"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," he added.

Jorginho, who first came to the Premier League in 2018 from Napoli, won the European Championships with Italy in 2021.

"'ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It's what I always bring with me," he also shared, before adding, "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."

Before parting ways with Chelsea, Jorginho scored three goals for the Blues in 25 appearances for them in all competitions in the ongoing season.