Chelsea striker Kai Havertz admits he was stunned by Jorginho's move to Arsenal

Chelsea striker Kai Havertz has admitted he was stunned by Jorginho's defection to Arsenal in the January transfer window.

After losing Mohamed Elneny to a long-term injury and failing in their bid to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, Arsenal turned their attention to Jorginho in the closing stages of the window.

With just hours left to complete deals, Arsenal announced that they had signed the Italy international on an 18-month contract, with an option to extend for a further year.

The Gunners paid just £12m for the 31-year-old, who has already made his mark at the Emirates – playing eight times in all competitions.

Havertz admits he was taken by surprise when Jorginho joined Arsenal on deadline day.

He told The Guardian: "I played with Jorginho for two and a half years, he changed next to me, I loved being with him.

"And then, he calls me one evening and says: 'I'm gone.' I was like: 'What the? How is this possible?'

"This is how quick things change. It's a human thing. You just have to accept it, it's football."

Havertz: People think you are Messi

Havertz also opened up on his struggles since joining Chelsea.

The Germany international has managed 32 goals in 128 games for the London club since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in a £72m move in 2020.

"For me the price was a big thing," he said.

"I was Chelsea’s most expensive player. I don't understand how so much money is paid but it is normal in football: look at our recent transfers. That brings pressure because people think you are Messi.

"I was still 20, 21. People don't see that; they see the price so you have to be great from day one. You can feel it, the tension. You read it, hear it."

Havertz has managed nine goals in all competitions this season and will hope to reach double figures when Chelsea return to action this weekend after the international break.

Graham Potter's side host Aston Villa on Saturday before facing Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Topics: Chelsea, Kai Havertz, Football, Premier League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan