"I had spoken to Chelsea..." - Arsenal signing reveals how Arteta phone call convinced him to join

New Arsenal signing Jorginho has explained how a phone call from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta helped to convince him him to move to the Emirates Stadium last month.

Arsenal swooped to sign the 31-year-old from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, with the midfielder having entered the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Arteta spoke of his admiration of the Italian, with Jorginho claiming the Spaniard had previously attempted to sign him on more than one occasion.

The one-time Champions League winner has impressed in his first two starts for the club, replacing the injured Thomas Partey against Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Although the Gunners lost 3-1 against City, Arteta praised Jorginho for his performance, saying that he 'played a really good game'.

The Italian then played a key role in Arsenal's 4-2 win over Villa on Saturday. His first-time shot from 20 yards hit the crossbar before rebounding in off the head of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, which gave the Gunners a 3-2 lead in second half stoppage time.

Although Jorginho was not credited with the goal, the moment could prove to be key in Arsenal's title challenge, with the Gunners now back in the lead of the Premier League after City dropped points later in the day.

Now, the midfielder has revealed how Arteta convinced him to join the club in January.

Arsenal star Jorginho reveals Arteta phone call

Speaking to DAZN (quotes via Football Italia), he explained: "[Arteta] is one of the reasons, surely.

"He 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."

Having won four trophies with Chelsea, as well as Euro 2020 with Italy, Jorginho is now looking to take the next step of his career with Arteta's side.

The Gunners are currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with a game in hand on second-placed Manchester City. They are also still in the Europa League.

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Jorginho, Mikel Arteta, Chelsea, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.