Premier League leaders Arsenal have announced the signing of Italian midfielder Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea in a £12 million deal.
The 31-year-old joins the Gunners on an 18-month contract with the option to extend for another year.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho 👊 pic.twitter.com/jHXqAUBKKQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2023
Jorginho initially had six months left on his existing contract at Stamford Bridge, but Arsenal’s deadline day bid was enough to sway him to the other side of London.
He made 143 Premier League appearances for the Blues, scored 21 goals, and won four major titles, including the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Jorginho’s move to the Emirates comes as Chelsea attempts to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez before Deadline Day ends.The Blues have been on the World Cup winner’s trail for much of the January transfer window, but the Portuguese giants have rejected multiple offers.
The Italian revealed on the club’s website that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was instrumental in his move to the Emirates Stadium.
He said: “He [Arteta] was a big influence because 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.”
“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.”
Arteta, on the other hand, expressed his happiness at getting his long-term target and highlighted the qualities that drew him to the midfielder.
“We are so pleased to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club,” he said.
“Jorginho is a midfield player with intelligence, deep leadership skills and a huge amount of Premier League and international experience.
“He has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here.”
The Euro 2020 winner will wear the number 20 shirt at Arsenal and will immediately join his new teammates ahead of their Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
