The last days of the transfer window can always spring a surprise. Given their activity throughout January, many may have tipped Chelsea to be involved but perhaps not as the selling club. Instead, Arsenal take that role having agreed a £10million deal that could rise as high as £12million for Italian midfielder Jorginho.
The Chelsea ace, who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2018, is set to join the Gunners on an 18-month deal that has an option for a further year. Mikel Arteta's side make the move having failed in their attempts to land Moises Caicedo thus far.
With a deal for Enzo Fernandez proving elusive for the moment, many may be concerned about Chelsea's midfield options heading into the final months of the season. Jorginho has 25 appearances for the Blues this term and been a consistent part of Graham Potter's side with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Denis Zakaria and N'Golo Kante all managing or suffering from injuries at various stages of the season.
READ MORE: Chelsea star pushing for move away as Enzo Fernandez talks continue over blockbuster transfer
However, the former Napoli maestro has just six months remaining on his contract and this month presented Chelsea's last chance to earn a fee if they were to not come to an agreement over a new deal. It's not an insignificant fee when compared to his book value that is in the ballpark of £5million.
Given the vast business Chelsea have completed in this window, their squad is in no shortage of bodies. The 31-year-old's move across London will open a space in the west London club's Champions League team. The Blues can only register three new players but coming into the window only had room for one without removing any players who were named in the squad at the start of the season.
Overall, it's a move for the future however. The departure of Jorginho sees the average age of Chelsea's squad continue to reduce, with the club having signed 11 players since last summer in which nobody is older than 24 and all are contracted to 2028 or later.
Indications also suggest that Chelsea are heading towards a clear-out in the summer as they look to replenish and rebuild their squad under Graham Potter. With signings such as Fernandez and Declan Rice targeted, the out of contract star is an obvious choice to leave when the opportunity arises.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea set Enzo Fernandez priority amid deadline day obstacle to continue Todd Boehly rebuild
Fernandez signs, Gusto plan - Chelsea's best and worst case transfer deadline day scenarios
Chelsea set Enzo Fernandez priority amid deadline day obstacle to continue Todd Boehly rebuild
Chelsea prepare ultimate Arsenal transfer hijacking if Todd Boehly completes Enzo Fernandez deal
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
