Jorginho says he was impressed by Arsenal during pre-season for Chelsea [Andrea Vilchez/SPP]

WHETHER through gritted teeth or unwavering optimism “in the process”, divided Arsenal fans are expected to see new signing Jorginho make his debut on Saturday away at Everton.

There are few things that supporters love more than transfer deadline day drama, but few could have imagined that the Chelsea midfielder would be swapping west London for the north side of the capital on Tuesday.

Jorginho put pen to paper on an 18-month contract, with an option to extend for a further year, in a deal believed to be worth around £12million. Wearing the number 20 shirt, the 31-year-old is now in line to feature at Goodison Park as the Gunners look to increase their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

“It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here,” Jorginho told the club’s official website. “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.”

The Italian added that he knew Arsenal were going to be a force, especially after they beat Chelsea 4-0 last summer in America.

He said: “Even in pre-season we had a friendly match, and I could feel and see that Arsenal would do very well this season. So, when we faced each other again at Stamford Bridge [in the league], it wasn’t a surprise for me at all [that Arsenal won].”

Jorginho joins a long list of players who have swapped Chelsea for Arsenal, the majority of who have failed to impress – hence why some Gooners greeted the transfer with trepidation. Some fans were so underwhelmed, in fact, that “Edu Out” was trending on Twitter this week as they reacted to the Gunners sporting director’s dealings in January.

Reflecting on what he will add to Mikel Arteta’s side, Jorginho continued: “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. All I can promise is that I’m going to give my all to represent this club.”

Bought to add some much-needed cover to the Arsenal midfield, Jorginho is expected to start on the bench on Saturday.

That’s because there is growing optimism that Thomas Partey will be fit to face Everton despite being forced off at half-time with a rib injury last time out when the Gunners were beaten 1-0 in the FA Cup by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Jorginho is, however, expected to get plenty of minutes, with Arsenal looking to protect Partey – arguably the club’s most important player this season – as much as they can.

The Gunners are short on options in midfield after revealing Mohamed Elneny has suffered a “significant” knee injury, while Albert Sambi Lokonga was allowed to join Crystal Palace on loan this week.