Graham Potter is bidding farewell to a ‘fantastic’ player after Chelsea midfielder Jorginho sealed a deadline day move to Premier League leaders Arsenal, speaking via Tuttomercatoweb.
A divisive figure he may been amongst the Stamford Bridge support, there is a reason why the Brazil-born Italy international was one of the first names on the team sheet not only for Maurizio Sarri but for Thomas Tuchel and Frank Lampard too.
Jorginho even captained Chelsea in their last two Premier League matches.
The 31-year-old did not win over every single supporter after his 2018 arrival but Jorginho’s experience and professionalism could be missed behind the scenes in West London, taking his imperious tactical intelligence and considered passing to the Emirates.
Arsenal pay £12m to sign Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea
“In the four months I worked with him, he was fantastic,” Potter says. “He’s a great person. What he did at the club was great.
“But when there are certain situations – with reference to the expiring contract – you need to take that into consideration, to secure something more stable for your family. It’s been a win win win deal.
“All the best (to Jorginho).”
Arsenal paid £12 million for the 2021 European Championship winner; handing Jorginho an initial 18-month contract. Jorginho, once of Napoli, will provide Mikel Arteta with some high-quality cover in the centre of the park with Mohamed Elneny out for the foreseeable future and Albert Sambi Lokonga joining Crystal Palace on loan.
“I think outstanding,” former Arsenal hero Paul Merson tells Sky Sports of Jorginho. “You are buying experience as well. He’s won big trophies. He is a proper holding midfield player.
“He’s so intelligent. He’ll protect the back four and he just keeps it simple. He will be feeding (Martin) Odegaard. He will be feeding (Bukayo) Saka and (Gabriel) Martinelli.
“For me, he is a top signing. He knows he won’t be playing every week, but he will bring experience and calmness.”
Chelsea’s new £105 million signing Enzo Fernandez inherits the number 5 shirt donned by Jorginho at Stamford Bridge. The World Cup winner is likely to take his place in the middle of the park too.
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