 Jorginho might be facing a fight for a place in the Arsenal starting XI this season, but Mikel Arteta has hailed him as a 'phenomenal character' and one that will play a key role in the coming campaign. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The Italy international was signed from Chelsea in January and made 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in the second half of the campaign, nine of which were in the starting line-up. With the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this summer there has been much talk of a revamped midfield at Arsenal, with Jorginho not tipped by many to be first choice. The 31-year-old certainly faces competition for his place, but Arteta says his experience will be crucial as there are plenty of younger players in the squad that will benefit from the knowledge and influence he holds. 'Jorgi is a phenomenal character, he has so much experience, everybody respects and loves him, and he is a very particular character as well. He has been really, really, really good for us,' said Arteta. 'He needs to maintain what he is doing but as well we have to promote experience from other areas. There are very young players as well and now they have been with us for a while and they have to start to move forwards and take initiative and go another step further, because that is going to needed for sure. 'It's something that has to be shared. Jorgi's experience is very important, and then we have to use that and allow them to lead and self-police in certain moments. When it comes from the dressing-room, that's the most powerful thing. Declan Rice will go straight into the Arsenal starting XI (Picture: Getty Images) 'We haven't gone from the end of May to the beginning of August from being young to now being mature. 'But they are gaining experience and I will never use their age as an excuse because it's something that really describes who we are and the){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Jorginho might be facing a fight for a place in the Arsenal starting XI this season, but Mikel Arteta has hailed him as a ‘phenomenal character’ and one that will play a key role in the coming campaign.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
The Italy international was signed from Chelsea in January and made 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in the second half of the campaign, nine of which were in the starting line-up.
With the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this summer there has been much talk of a revamped midfield at Arsenal, with Jorginho not tipped by many to be first choice.