Jorginho Reveals Arteta Tried to Sign Him From Chelsea in the Past After Deadline Day Move

Jorginho Reveals Arteta Tried to Sign Him From Chelsea in the Past After Deadline Day Move

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
In this article:
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Jorginho
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  • Jorginho made a switch across London to complete a shock move from Chelsea to rivals Arsenal
  • Mikel Arteta welcomed the experienced midfielder into the team after previous attempts
  • Fans are having a mixed reactions to the signing of the 2021 UEFA player of the year

One of the most surprising transfers to happen in yesterday's winter window deadline day was Jorginho's move from Chelsea to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

He had just six months left on his Blues contract and the West London club could not turn down an offer of £12m from their rivals, even though it appears like they are strengthening a rival.

Jorginho, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Chelsea, transfer, deadline day.
Mikel Arteta welcoming Jorginho to Arsenal. Photo @arsenal.
Source: Twitter

The Italian midfielder has now lifted the lid on his past encounters with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who had attempted to sign him in the past as reported by Express.

Jorginho revealed Arteta's attempts

Speaking to Arsenal's official website after completing his move, the 31-year-old revealed previous attempts by Arteta to get him off the books of Chelsea but was unsuccessful.

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“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.

Fans reaction to Arteta signing Jorginho

After it was revealed by Jorginho that the former Arsenal player made an attempt on him in 2020, a Sky Sports report in 2020 corroborated the claims, and the Gunners boss was full of praise for his new signing.

The signing was not really welcomed by the Gunners fans who felt the Italian is a player already past his peak but they however resolved to trust their manager.

@OluwaseunAlade5 wrote:

I think i'll trust him on this one..The Gaffer knows best

@PierreKardasz wrote:

Some people wake up to be not happy and complain about everything even when we are top of the league… let’s appreciate the work done by Edu and Arteta and being blessed by how we are handling our finances. This is commitment to future

@Littlelyte_01 wrote:

Love the way Arteta didn't allow Brighton make us pay outrageously for a kid that isn't tested. I Love Jorginho but I LOVE Teta(Arteta) more

@JAYARAYA_TEFC wrote:

At the very end, Arteta knows best �� He knows what he is doing. So, if Arteta wants Jorginho, I also want him.

As revealed by Sky Sports, Jorginho almost joined Manchester City in 2018 before Chelsea and Maurizio Sarri hijacked. Arteta was at City then and it made fans at peace with the fact that the two managers wanted him.

Rival fans mock Jorginho

Sports Brief earlier reported that rival fans mocked Jorginho after he completed his shock move to Arsenal from Chelsea on Tuesday afternoon.

An old video of referee Michael Oliver outrunning the midfielder in 2019 surfaced and fans laughed at the speed of the player signed to Arsenal who plays fast football.

He is not exactly the fastest midfielder; however, he is one of the most intelligent with a good ability to read the game and make decisive passes before he is closed down by opponents.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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Mikel ArtetaPep GuardiolaTransfers