Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Jorginho and Kai Havertz's return to Chelsea on Saturday will be "a special day" for them.
The Gunners make the trip to Stamford Bridge having put together an eight-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, leaving them in second spot behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Having recorded a late 1-0 victory over Manchester City before the international break, Arsenal now turn their attention to one of their London neighbours.
Since the turn of the year, Arteta and club officials have been able to conduct transfer business with their counterparts at Chelsea, securing deals for each of Jorginho and Havertz.
While Jorginho has not always been regarded as first choice, he has accumulated 13 starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions after joining in January.
Meanwhile, Havertz, who is now being deployed in a deeper midfield role, has provided one goal and one assist from his nine starts and three substitute appearances since his transfer in the summer.
With Arsenal having a number of injury doubts, it is plausible that both players could start against Chelsea, where they each played a key role in their 2020-21 Champions League triumph.
Neither player has returned to their ex-club since their respective switches to the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta has revealed that the pair have only said positive things about the Blues.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, as quoted by BBC Sport, the Spaniard said: "They talk highly of everyone at the club, it'll be a special day for them."
Commenting on Chelsea as a team, Arteta feels that his players will need to be at their best against opponents who have prevailed in their most recent three fixtures in all competitions.
Arteta added: "It is a big game. I've been really impressed by them this season, it is different. They deserve more than what they have in the table. We'll have to be at our best tomorrow."
Arsenal hold a nine-point advantage over Chelsea in the standings, their hosts down in 11th position after a slow start to the season.
Furthermore, the North Londoners have also emerged victorious in their last three matches against one of their fierce rivals, winning 1-0 when they last faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 11 months ago. body check tags ::
