Arsenal have signed Jorginho from Chelsea on a deal until 2024 with an option of an additional year.
After chasing Moises Caicedo as a long-term option, Arsenal had to pivot to a shorter-term deal in order to replace Mohamed Elneny, whose injury was confirmed as more serious than feared on Tuesday afternoon.
The Egyptian is out of contract in the summer and Arsenal will still activate his option of an additional year, so they are not just are simply replacing him with the Chelsea man, who arrives for £12m despite still being worth around €35m.
Expecting Arsenal to trigger Mohamed Elneny's option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
Conversations under way and injury has not had an impact on the decision, which could be announced in the next week or so.
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) January 31, 2023
While it won’t be the deal Arsenal fans wanted, it is not one to panic about. It is a better move than buying a long-term option the club didn’t really want, blocking their ideal target in the summer.
Jorginho has played in 25 games for Chelsea this season and has been the team’s captain several times.
However, due to Chelsea’s recent acquisitions, the 31-year-old’s position became uncertain.
Jorginho will wear the number 20 at Arsenal which was Nuno Tavares’ number.
Jorginho will wear the no.20 for Arsenal #AFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/HeTuCKKzf4
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 31, 2023
Speaking about Mikel Arteta, Jorginho said: “He 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. 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.”
Sporting Director Edu said: “Jorginho is an established professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience into our squad.
“He is a player who fits our style of play, and he joins us at a very good moment where he can contribute in a key position to help maintain our momentum. We welcome Jorginho to Arsenal.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added: “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.”
Jorginho started his professional career with Verona in Italy before moving to Napoli, where he gained prominence under the management of former Chelsea head coach, Maurizio Sarri.
He signed for Chelsea for €57m in 2018, following Sarri to the club, and went on to establish himself as a key player in the Chelsea midfield.
Jorginho is known for his passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo of the game. He become a fan favourite for his commanding performances in the midfield and his ability to dictate play.
It is believed that Mikel Arteta drove this move.