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Arsenal have signed Italy midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea in a €12m deal.
The 31-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Napoli in 2018, was in the final six months of his contract with the Blues.
He passed a medical on Tuesday and signed an 18-month contract with an option for a further year.
« Jorginho is in a midfield that has intelligence, deep leadership skills and enormous Premier League and international experience, » said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“He has won in his career, but he still has the soap and the enormous desire to contribute 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 challenge ».
Speaking to Arsenal’s website, he said playing for Arteta was a ‘big influence’ in his decision and added: « I know he’s tried many times to get me before and it didn’t work out. is not produced for other reasons, not because of my wishes.
“To be honest, I hate being on the pitch. It all happened so fast.
“It’s an important shirt. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.
“I will try to bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. That’s what I always bring with me.”
The Gunners turned to Jorginho after seeing two offers rejected by Brighton for Equatorial midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Brighton have said Caicedo is not for sale and should remain at the club past the 11pm deadline.
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Jorginho becomes Arsenal’s third signing of the January window, with the club previously buying Polish defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia for 20 million euros (€17.6m) and Belgian striker Leandro Trossard, who left Brighton for 21 million euros.
Mikel Arteta’s side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League with one game less on the sides immediately below them.
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Jorginho scored 29 goals in 213 appearances for Chelsea, representing 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 when he was 15 and chose to play for the Azzurri at international level.
Capped 46 times, he was part of the Italian squad that beat England to postpone Euro 2020 at Wembley in July 2021 and will wear the number 20 shirt for the Gunners.
Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “Jorginho is an established professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience to our team.
“He’s a player that fits our style of play, and he’s joining us at a really good time where he can contribute in a key position to help us keep our momentum going. We welcome Jorginho to Arsenal. »
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