Over the years, it’s no secret that Arsenal have had some disastrous transfer dealings with Chelsea. 

William Gallas, Willian and David Luiz have all represented somewhat disappointing incomings.

A combination of chaos and unreliability, arrivals from Chelsea have generally worked out far worse for Arsenal than those heading the opposite direction.

So naturally, when Jorginho’s transfer to the club was announced last January, Arsenal fans were sceptical and if we’re being honest, slightly underwhelmed.

A player much-maligned for his lack of pace and physicality, he wasn’t an obvious match to deputise for the injured Thomas Partey.

Even as the season progressed to its conclusion last year and Arsenal began to wilt in the title race, his role in the side wasn’t clear. He didn’t appear to possess the necessary power to thrive in the Arsenal midfield.

Used sparingly throughout the run in, he often came on for short periods of time as Arsenal attempted to see games out.

When he played, he never let Arsenal or Mikel Arteta down, but it felt he had limitations when directly compared to Partey.

Fast-forward to this season and it is clear why he was brought to the club. Arsenal have transitioned to a possession-based side, invariably having at least 60% of the ball and often more. In this type of side, Jorginho thrives.

He orchestrates play from deep, constantly directing those around him and leading by example. Last season he had some highlights that endeared himself to the Arsenal supporters, not least forcing the winning goal at Villa Park. But this year has seen his standing with the fanbase advance to a different level.

At the start of the season, he was called upon in the North London Derby for the second half when both Partey and Declan Rice were injured. It felt at this stage that he was well and truly the third choice for the defensive midfield role.

He gifted Tottenham an equaliser, and while it would have been easy for supporters to be dismayed at another Chelsea reject, the fans rallied and cheered his name. This was the beginning of the making of Jorginho at Arsenal.

He has become the man for the big occasion. No longer is he a back-up option, he is almost an automatic starter when Arsenal face their toughest contests. Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, he has started and excelled in all of these games.

These are the types of games where his calmness under pressure and press resistance is so crucial. With Oleksandr Zinchenko’s absence, Jorginho’s ability to control things has become even more vital. 

There are of course games where he is not required. There are many matches where Rice is able to manage the midfield almost on his own, which is when Arteta chooses two attacking midfield players.

Arsenal travel to Sheffield United next week and it is likely Jorginho will find himself back on the sidelines. At 32 though, he seems to know his role within the side.

If Arteta had Partey at his disposal throughout the season, then Jorginho’s opportunities would have likely been limited.

However, considering the Italian’s recent performances and fixtures against Chelsea and Manchester City on the horizon, the decision as to who to select is no longer straightforward.   

He is out of contract in the summer, but if he can maintain his current levels, most Arsenal fans would jump at the opportunity to extend his Arsenal career for another year.

Arteta’s task now though is to find his next Jorginho in the transfer market who can dominate the Arsenal midfield for the next five years.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, and if he or another midfielder were to come in, Partey or Jorginho would likely have to make way.

This could explain the lack of movement in contract negotiations with the latter.

If Arsenal are to end the season with a title though, Jorginho will inevitably play a key part.