Jorginho said Mikel Arteta had a big influence when it came to him putting pen to paper for Arsenal on deadline day, after his £12 million transfer was confirmed.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported on Tuesday that Arteta was the ‘driving’ force behind the club securing the services of the ex-Chelsea midfielder.
While many supporters scoffed at the deal, it seems as if the £159,000-a-week tactician was hell-bent on signing the Italian international.
Jorginho confirmed Mikel Arteta influence that led to Arsenal move
It seems as if the feelings are mutual, as Jorginho himself has confirmed after his £12 million switch to Arsenal was confirmed that it was Mikel Arteta, who was the biggest draw behind him signing for Chelsea’s London rivals.
“He [Mikel Arteta] 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”, Jorginho confirmed about his Arteta’s role behind his Arsenal move, as quoted by GOAL journalist Charles Watts.
Considering the 40-year-old clearly aimed at working alongside the Euro 2020 winner in the past, it seems as if his dream has finally come true.
Jorginho’s revelation is testament to how respected the Spaniard is
Up until the Gunners truly showed consistent signs of developing into a brilliant unit in the second half of last season, Arteta was arguably the most vilified manager in the country.
Now, the fact that Jorginho, who has previously won the Champions League with Chelsea has confirmed that Mikel Arteta was a fundamental reason why he joined Arsenal on deadline day shows his respect within the game.
The former Man City assistant manager has managed to turn the North Londoners’ fortunes in such incredible fashion that all one can do is tip their hats to him.
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