Arsenal midfielder reveals how long it took Mikel Arteta to sign him

Arsenal midfielder, Jorginho has revealed that Mikel Arteta tried to sign him in four occasions before he eventually signed for the London club.

Jorginho joined Arsenal in January of last year, arriving from Chelsea for £12million and has been able to play an important role in the team.

The Italian midfielder has now insisted that Mikel Arteta played a huge role in his decision to join Arsenal.

Speaking about his move to Arsenal, Jorginho said: “The first time when he was at City and I was in Naples,” he said. “That was the first time and then he tried twice when he was here and it didn’t happen.

“But now fortunately it happened, I am here, happy, having the opportunity to work together with him and learning a lot from him.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Jorginho of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Jorginho also shed light on his relationship with  ex-Chelsea Kai Havertz who joined him at Arsenal last summer after leaving Stamford Bridge, too.

The German moved for a fee of £65m and he came under fire in the early stages of his time at Emirates Stadium.

Havertz, however, has now won his doubters over and Jorginho admits he spoke to the striker to ensure he did not lose faith.

“I always knew because I know Kai,” he said. “That is part of the game as well, isn’t it?

“I spoke with him as well: ‘Stay calm, let them talk, keep doing your job as you always do. Work hard and you are going to come through this even better.’

“And that is what has happened I think. And I am really happy for him. He is an amazing, amazing guy and he deserves everything to go really well for him.

“I think he is a human being. You hear those things, you feel them and it is up to you how you take them.

“You can take them and let them get you down – or you take the criticism and use it as a motivation.

“I think he used them as a motivation to prove them wrong and he did and I am really glad.

“And I am glad that we were all together behind him to support him. That is what we do here.”

Jorginho’s contract at Arsenal was due to expire this summer but has since sign a new deal that will see him continue as Arsenal player..

The Italian midfielder has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season and has set his sights on adding to his trophy haul, having won the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup with Chelsea, as well as Euro 2020 with Italy.