Jorginho, a former midfielder for Chelsea, has reached an agreement with English Premier League leaders Arsenal on a £12 million transfer fee, according to www.atspo.com.
The Italian international will cost the Gunners £10 million upfront and an additional £2 million in add-ons.
The Seagulls rejected a £60 million bid from the Gunners for Brighton star Moises Caicedo, forcing them to consider backup plans for the remaining few hours.
This may be the reason why Arsenal chose to concentrate their efforts on Jorginho, which they have been successful in doing.
Mikel Arteta’s midfield will be strengthened for the title run in the second half of the season, with the midfielder set to join the Gunners.
The former vice-captain of the Blues moved to the North London team, sparking controversy. Some fans were upset that their team didn’t get Moises Caicedo, while others believed the move would only benefit Arsenal.
Jorginho was photographed wearing his new colours with his agent, Joao Santos, and the photo was later leaked on a deadline day, making his switch one of the window’s top stories.
In the photo, he is also wearing tracksuits with the No. 20 emblazoned, indicating that Nuno Tavares, who is currently on loan with Marseille, will pass on the No. 20 to him.
The Brazilian-born midfielder was brought in to help out his new team’s midfield after Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka proved to be a productive duo during the club’s unexpected title challenge this season.
Even though the duo has largely avoided injuries this season, backup Mohamed Elneny will be out for some time due to a knee issue.
Jorginho’s contract at Chelsea had six months left to run, but the Gunners preferred to sign him now rather than wait until the summer when there would be fewer options available.
Jorginho triumphed with the Blues in the 2018–19 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup and defeated Arsenal to win the Europa League.
