Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal transfer target Jorginho lifts lid on Chelsea exit talks
The Italy midfielder was linked with a summer move away from Stamford Bridge, with reports claiming Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal were keen on acquiring his services
Chelsea: Tammy Abraham tackled by Jorginho in training
Jorginho has revealed Chelsea entertained summer offers from Arsenal for his services. In the weeks before the closure of the transfer window, the Blues midfielder was linked with a move away from west London.
And according to numerous reports, Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal were keen on acquiring the former Napoli man's services.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was said to have opened talks with last season's beaten FA Cup finalists over a potential deal for the 28-year-old.
And Jorginho himself has admitted there were talks about him potentially swapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates.
"I believe that every player is open to negotiations," the Brazilian-born Italy international told ESPN.
JUST IN: What channel is Man Utd vs Chelsea on? TV, live stream, kick off time
I believe there was something they talked about. And in the end, it was decided, chosen that I stay here
“So I believe there was something they talked about. And in the end, it was decided, chosen that I stay here."
Although he was open to moving on to pastures new, Jorginho insists he's focused solely on helping Chelsea have a successful season.
He added: “And now my head is here and we’re going to do a great job with Chelsea, which I always wanted to do.”
Chelsea were very active in the summer transfer market, forking out close to £230million to acquire the services of seven new players.
DON'T MISS
Man Utd: Solskjaer on Van de Beek mindset ahead of Chelsea showdown
Man Utd star Cavani already different to Lukaku ahead of Chelsea clash
Man Utd hopes for Edinson Cavani explained ahead of Chelsea fixture
Jorginho has been thoroughly impressed by what he's seen of his new team-mates and is confident their arrivals will help the team in their pursuit of silverware.
"They had a big market," Jorginho said of Chelsea's extravagant transfer window. "The players who arrived have great potential and can certainly help this club a lot,’ said the midfielder.
"They’re already doing and will do much more. When there’s this high competition among the players, it turns out that the level of the team goes up.
"And when the level of the team goes up, the team ends up becoming better and even more competitive to reach the top.
"So I believe that the arrival of these great players only brings good things and will certainly help the group and the club.
"It’s normal that you need time. How long did Liverpool work to win something?
"So I believe that every change, every beginning of a project, we need to believe in the project for it to bear fruit and bring results. So it’s normal that you need this working time."
Jorginho and his Chelsea team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.