Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has confirmed Arsenal were interested in taking him across London during the summer transfer window.
Jorginho was central to Chelsea’s project after joining from Napoli in 2018 on a personal request from former manager Maurizio Sarri.
However, the deep-lying playmaker’s influence has somewhat dwindled since Frank Lampard took over the managerial reins at Stamford Bridge.
After struggling to impact the Blues’ tactical set-up as expected in 2019/20, the 28-year-old seemed likely to leave in the summer.
One of the clubs interested in acquiring his services in the transfer window were Arsenal.
The Gunners eventually ended up signing Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of €50million.
As a consequence, Jorginho remained in west London and has rediscovered his form in the early stage of the season.
Chelsea have accrued two wins, two draws, and a loss from their opening five Premier League fixtures, with the Italian maestro making four starts.
Everything could have been different if Arsenal persisted in their efforts to land Jorginho in the summer.
“I believe that every player is open to negotiations,” Jorginho told ESPN Brasil.
“So I believe there was something they talked about. And in the end, it was decided, chosen that I stay here.
“And now my head is here, and we’re going to do a great job with Chelsea, which I always wanted to do.”
Jorginho and his teammates travel to Old Trafford on Saturday to lock horns with Manchester United in one of the most highly anticipated fixtures on the Premier League schedule.
Lampard’s men could only manage a goalless home draw with Sevilla in the Champions League midweek.
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