It may not be the deadline day signing Arsenal fans were hoping for, but Jorginho looks set to complete a move to the Gunners in the coming hours. football.london understands that a deal worth £12million has been agreed between Arsenal and Chelsea which would see the 31-year-old join on an initial 18-month contract with the option of a further year.
Arsenal had been keen to bolster options in midfield following a long-term injury to Mohamed Elneny, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo emerging as the club’s priority target. However, after two bids were rejected, the last one believed to be around £70million, there was an acceptance that a move would be difficult with the clock ticking down.
As a result, attention was swiftly turned towards Jorginho, who is free to leave as Chelsea target Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez. To many, It may come across as a desperate last-ditch attempt to strengthen before the 11pm deadline, but the Italian international is someone who has been admired by the Arsenal hierarchy for some time.
READ MORE: Jorginho sparks Arsenal division but Arteta has achieved non-negotiable January transfer mission
According to The Athletic, Arsenal planned to sign two out of Thomas Partey, Houssem Aouar, and Jorginho in 2020. They of course ended up with just one in Partey, but it’s added that Jorginho was not simply a backup option as he is greatly admired by technical staff, including Mikel Arteta.
One particular moment from Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea a couple of seasons ago was viewed as ‘confirmation’ of Arteta’s respect for Jorginho after the Spaniard embraced the midfielder at full-time as the pair shared a smile.
Jorginho may not fit in with Arsenal’s recent recruitment strategy, but what he does bring is reliability and valuable experience at a crucial stage of the season. The former Napoli man is a Champions League winner and European champion who was also named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2021.
The reservations surrounding his expected arrival are understandable, but with 469 senior appearances and several trophies to his name, Jorginho has all the qualities to play a key part in Arteta’s title charge.
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