Granit Xhaka has become a leader on and off the pitch for Arsenal this season. The Swiss midfielder has enjoyed one of his best seasons since signing for the Gunners back in 2016, scoring four goals and providing a further five assists in 31 games.
It's been quite the turnaround for him this term after his time at the Emirates Stadium looked to be over following a spat with fans as he was stripped of the club captaincy. Mikel Arteta has been influential in helping Xhaka regain the support of the Arsenal fans with the Switzerland international proving to be a crucial player this season as the club challenges for the Premier League title.
Arteta was once again just as influential in helping the Gunners sign Jorginho from Chelsea in the January transfer window this year. The Arsenal boss wanted a new midfielder to add to his squad and called the Italy international, with a move being completed within 48 hours from their first conversation.
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During an interview with DAZN, via Football Italia the 31-year-old has detailed how Arteta was key to why he moved to North London. "It’s one of the reasons, surely," Jorginho confirmed.
"He [Arteta] called me and it was all very quick, we made the deal in less than 48 hours. I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans.
"I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me. It’s a young team that plays good football and fits my characteristics.
"I considered every scenario and made the decision. Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project and that things come to an end."
Jorginho has now revealed in a new interview with beIN Sports how Xhaka has helped him settle into his new surroundings despite their previous battles against each other on the pitch. When asked if he's happy to have Xhaka as a teammate, the Italian midfielder replied: "Yes I'm happy!
"We had a few fights on the pitch before, but outside the pitch he's a really nice guy and we have a lot of laughs now. I asked him where I could go for dinner, he booked and didn't let me pay so I was like 'thank you very much' ha ha!"
It's clear that there is a great team spirit within the dressing room at the moment and Jorginho has adapted well. Many reports have stated how the former Blues player is already a popular and well-respected figure with his colleagues and this will only help the Gunners' title challenge.
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