Jorginho shirt No confirmed as midfielder seals Arsenal move and names major reason for leaving Chelsea

Arsenal have completed the signing of Jorginho from Chelsea on an initial 18-month deal and for a fee of £12m – with the midfielder explaining the reasons behind his move across London to Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have swooped to bring in the Brazil-born midfielder on deadline day after switching their focus towards him having missed out on Moises Caicedo. The deal that takes him to Emirates Stadium ends a lengthy chase by Arsenal, who also tried to sign him from Chelsea in the summer of 2020.

However, Mikel Arteta now has his man, with Jorginho’s deal having an option for a further 12-months. That keeps him at Arsenal until summer 2024 at least – and potentially until summer 2025 if he catches the eye.

The 46-times capped Italy midfielder moves across London ending his four-and-a-half-year stay at Stamford Bridge. He will wear the No 20 shirt for Arsenal.

Having won the Champions League at Chelsea, Jorginho has an immediate opportunity to add a Premier League title winners’ medal to his haul.

Of course, there is a long way to in the transfer race, but with a five-point buffer at the top, Arsenal will fancy their chances.

Nonetheless, with Manchester City breathing down their necks, they can afford precious few slip-ups. And with the addition of Jorginho, he will certainly bring some know-how and guile to their midfield. And that may well prove crucial in the title run-in.

Discussing his reasons for the move, the midfielder was quick to credit Arteta as he told the club’s official website.

“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.”

Edu, Arteta welcome Jorginho to Arsenal

Explaining why he left Chelsea and the challenge of helping the Gunners to Premier League glory, Jorginho admits he’s impressed by what he has seen this season.

“It was tough, it was a hard time! Even in pre-season we had a friendly match, and I could feel and see that Arsenal would do very well this season. So, when we faced each other again at Stamford Bridge, it wasn’t a surprise for me at all.

“I’ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It’s what I always bring with me.

“I try just to help with the experience I’ve had in my time with the other clubs and anything I can do just to help the team to achieve more and more, that’s my target. All I can promise is that I’m going to give my all to represent this club.”

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.”

And Arteta also commented: “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.”

Arsenal will look towards Moises Caicedo again this summer

Despite missing out on Caicedo, Arsenal may well go back in for the Ecuadorian over the summer.

Jorginho, at 31, is a break from the norm as far as Arsenal transfers go. Edu and Arteta like to buy young, top talent that guarantees them a re-sale value. And while they won’t likely see many returns on Jorginho, the investment will prove priceless if he leads them to title success.

Turning attention towards the summer window, Dharmesh Sheth insists Arsenal will go back in for Caicedo again.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, (31/01/23, 18.01), he said: “I’m told Jorginho is not as an alternative to Moises Caicedo. I understand Arsenal were, at any time, ready to do a deal for Caicedo on deadline day IF in the unlikely circumstance that Brighton changed their stance.

“Brighton’s stance though has been firm: Moises Caicedo is NOT for sale in January. That has now been confirmed to me: Caicedo will not join Arsenal in January. I’m told that whatever they were to bid, Brighton were simply not going to accept.

“This though will then fast forwarded into the summer if he does not sign a new contract. We’re going to have another saga again: Caicedo to Arsenal; they still want him in the summer.”

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