Oleksandr Zinchenko has been caught on camera welcoming new Arsenal signing Jorginho to the club.
The midfielder joined the Gunners in a £12million move from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, a welcome boost to their squad ahead of the run-in. Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand.
They are well-placed to win a first league title for 19 years, with Zinchenko having played a key role in their charge to the top of the table. He will hope that Jorginho can have a similar impact, though the Italian is expected to mainly serve as a back-up to Mikel Arteta 's first-choice midfield.
Jorginho arrived at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on deadline day to complete his move. Arsenal have released a behind the scenes video of the Italian international's first day as a Gunner.
The cameras captured a nice moment between Zinchenko and Jorginho as the duo crossed paths. As the latter went to walk through a door, Zinchenko was on the other side, with both stepping back to let the other cross first.
After a brief moment of hestiancy between the duo, Zinchenko put his arms out to indicate Jorginho should go first. As the midfielder passed, Zinchenko patted him on the back and has a wide grin on his face.
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Upon joining his new club, Jorginho admitted his delight at getting the opportunity to work with Arteta. And he insisted his full focus was on helping Arsenal end their long wait for a Premier League title.
“He 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," he said.
“I’m very excited for this new challenge, and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch to be honest! Everything has happened so fast. I was a bit surprised, but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge.
“It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here. Even in pre-season we had a friendly match, and I could feel and see that Arsenal would do very well this season.
"I’ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It’s what I always bring with me. I try just to help with the experience I’ve had in my time with the other clubs and anything I can do just to help the team to achieve more and more, that’s my target."
Jorginho is in line to make his debut on Saturday lunchtime when Arsenal travel to Everton. Arteta's men can temporarily pull eight points clear of closest challengers Manchester City with a win.
