Jorginho has broken his silence after being confirmed as Arsenal's third signing of the January transfer window.
The Gunners had added Belgian attacker Leandro Trossard from Brighton, as well as Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior from Serie A outfit Spezia earlier this month as Mikel Arteta looks to end the club's 19-year league title drought. The Spaniard had made it no secret of his desire to bolster options in the midfield but missed out on primary target Moises Caicedo, who Brighton refused to sell.
However, the north Londoners swiftly moved onto other targets, signing Jorginho from Chelsea for a deal worth £10million in guaranteed fees with a further £2million in add-ons, football.london understands. The Italian's contract will be until the summer of 2024, with the club holding the option of an extra year.
READ MORE: Jorginho's Arsenal shirt number options as Edu agrees shock £12m January deadline day transfer
After the club unveiled him on Tuesday evening, the 31-year-old spoke of how manager Arteta was crucial in persuading him to leave Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium. Speaking about Arteta to the club's official website, Jorginho said: "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.
“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.”
READ NEXT:
Arsenal agree £12m Jorginho transfer as Brighton Moises Caicedo stance unchanged
Jorginho Arsenal shirt number 'leaked' as Edu agrees £12m Chelsea transfer on deadline day
Moises Caicedo to Arsenal transfer explained as Edu makes surprise Jorginho move
Arsenal cannot copy enviable but scattergun Brighton transfer strategy amid Moises Caicedo bid
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
