Jorginho, Arsenal’s matchwinner from the weekend’s game against Aston Villa, has said that he couldn’t ignore Mikel Arteta’s call when it came, knowing that he was no longer in Chelsea’s plans.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Jorginho of Arsenal scores the team's third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Jorginho of Arsenal scores the team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Like a few signings under Mikel Arteta, Jorginho arrived at the club amidst quite a lot of grumbling from some Arsenal fans, but his performances in recent games have largely put an end to that.

Smacking one in off the bar and Emi Martinez’s head on Saturday also helped.

Speaking to the media in Italy, Jorginho revealed the role Mikel Arteta played in convincing him to make the move and discussed the Gunners’ season so far.

“We are very happy, we are one of the big names in the Premier League. I’m very happy to have this experience with the Gunners, then in the end we’ll see what happens. Of course, I really believe in winning the championship,” Jorginho told DAZN Italia.

“Against Manchester City, we had chances and we didn’t take them, while we were punished with their chances. I came out of that match more convinced of our strengths because we forced City to throw longs [long ball] from their own box.

“We were sad about the result, but also calm and confident about the good things done.”

So how did he end up signing for Arsenal in a deal that was completed in just two days?  “One of the reasons for my move to Arsenal is the presence of Arteta. He called me and in less than two days we did everything,” he added.

“I was no longer part of Chelsea’s plans and I accepted Arteta’s call… the coach’s technical project suited my characteristics perfectly.”

Asked about Manchester United and if they are in the title race, Jorginho replied, “There can be parallelism.

“At the start of the championship, no one would have bet on these two teams.

“It will be a bit more difficult for Arsenal to win the championship, we will also have to pay attention to Manchester United.”

United currently sit in third place, just three points behind City and five behind Arsenal, although the Gunners still have a game in hand.