ᑕ❶ᑐ Arsenal transfer news: Jorginho moves from Chelsea to Gunners for €12 million
“Arsenal” transferred the Italian midfielder Jorginho from “Chelsea” for 12 million euros.
The 31-year-old footballer, who moved from Napoli to Chelsea in 2018, was in the last six months of his contract with the Blues.
He passed his medical on Tuesday and signed an 18-month contract with an option for another year.
“Jorginho is a midfielder with intelligence, deep leadership skills and huge Premier League and international experience,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
“He’s won his career, but he still has the thirst and the will to be here.
“We are delighted to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club.”
Jorginho said he was “a bit surprised” by the decision, which he described as an “incredible difficulty”.
Speaking to Arsenal’s website, he said playing for Arteta was a “big influence” in his decision, adding: “I know he tried many times before to get me and it didn’t work. He’s not being produced for other reasons than my wishes ..
“Honestly, I can’t wait to be on the field. Everything happened very quickly.
“This is an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a great club and I’m very excited and happy to be here.
“I will try to bring my positive energy, hard work and experience to help the team. This is what I always bring with me. »
The Gunners turned to Jorginho after seeing two bids rejected by Brighton for Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Brighton say Caicedo is not for sale and must remain at the club after 11pm on the deadline day.
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Jorginho is Arsenal’s third signing of the January window, having previously bought Polish defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia for €20m (€17.6m) and Belgium striker Leandro Trossard, who left Brighton for €21m.
Mikel Arteta’s side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League and have a game in hand on the sides immediately below them.
Jorginho scored 29 goals in 213 games for Chelsea and won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the club.
He was born in Brazil but moved to Italy at the age of 15 and chose to play for the Azzurri at international level.
Capped 46 times, he was part of the Italy squad that beat England to win Euro 2020 at Wembley in July 2021 and will wear the No.20 shirt for the Gunners.
Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “Jorginho is a seasoned professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience to our squad.
“He’s a player that suits our style of play and he joins us at a really good time where he can contribute in an important position to help us continue our momentum. We welcome Jorginho to Arsenal. »
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