Arsenal signs Jorghino from Chelsea

Premier League current leaders Arsenal has completed the deadline-day signing of Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea for a reported £12 million on an 18-month contract with the option of a further year.

Arsenal were repeatedly linked with signing a midfielder in the run-up to deadline day, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo being the most prominent name mentioned.

However, due to Brighton‘s unwillingness to sell, the gunners were made to change focus to the Blues’ assistant captain Jorginho, who was allowed to leave by Chelsea due to his contract expiring in the summer and their pursuit of Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

Jorginho, 31, joined Chelsea in 2018 and was a member of the team that won both the Champions League in 2021 and the Europa League two years earlier.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told the club’s official website:

“Jorginho is a midfield player with intelligence, deep leadership skills and a huge amount of Premier League and international experience.”

“Jorginho has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here. We are so pleased to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club.”

The Italy international Jorginho says Arteta was one of the main reasons why he chose to join the Premier League leaders.

“He was a big influence,” he said.

“I know that he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes. So of course, he had a big influence.”

“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.”

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

Chelsea has also confirmed his departure in a club statement, highlighting some of his special moments and impacts, on and off the pitch.

Jorginho leaves Chelsea with 213 appearances to his name and four winners medals, none more precious than the 2021 Champions League success in which he played a major part.