The Premier League’s top team, Arsenal, has completed the $12 million acquisition of Jorginho from Chelsea on an initial 18-month contract.
Jorginho was acquired by Arsenal on the final day of the January transfer window.
After missing out on Moises Caicedo, the Gunners turned their attention to Jorginho.
After a protracted pursuit, Arsenal, who had attempted to acquire him from Chelsea in the summer of 2020, has now agreed to a deal that will bring him to Emirates Stadium.
Jorginho’s contract includes a 12-month extension option, keeping him at Arsenal at least until the summer of 2024 and possibly through the summer of 2025 if he performs well.
A statement from Arsenal read: “Italian international Jorginho has joined us from Chelsea.
“The 31-year-old midfielder, who has made 143 Premier League appearances, joins us with a vast amount of experience of both club and international football.
“In addition to making nearly 500 Club appearances during his career, he has been a regular in the Italy national team squad for more than five years, making 46 appearances and winning Euro 2020 with his country.
“Since joining Chelsea, Jorginho has been a fixture in their Premier League side and won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
“He started his career in the youth academy at Italian club Verona where he spent four seasons in the first-team, making 96 appearances before moving to Serie A side Napoli. There he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2014 and made 160 appearances during his four seasons with the club.
“Jorginho will wear the number 20 shirt and will immediately join up with his new teammates ahead of Saturday’s match at Everton.
“Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Jorginho to the club.
“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”