Jorginho is now set to undergo a medical at Arsenal after the Gunners agreed a deal that could rise to £12m with further additions for the Italian midfielder. The Gunners decided to act quickly after Brighton continued to dig in their heels for the £70million Moises Caicedo, the latest of which had two bids rejected by the Premier League leaders.
It was clear and concise that Arsenal are interested in Caicedo but do not want to make a mid-season sale as Brighton aim to finish in the Europa League.
A deal has now been agreed with Chelsea for Jorginho, who would become Arsenal’s third signing of the January window after Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kivior.
According to Express Sport, Arsenal are understood to pay Chelsea an initial fee of £10m, but the deal could rise to £12m with incentives.
Jorginho is now expected to meet up with his new team-mates at London Colney and undergo a medical ahead of a dramatic switch across London.
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Jorginho is now expected to arrive at London Colney to meet his new team-mates and undergo a medical ahead of a dramatic switch across London.
Chelsea were in strong competition with the Gunners but were keen to do business to avoid the prospect of losing Jorginho for free at the end of the season.
Although Jorginho has not been a priority for Arsenal this month, it seems the Gunners have found it too good to ignore after it became clear that Caicedo would be staying put.
Mikel Arteta is believed to have been integral to the deal to sign Jorginho, a long-rated player.
Caicedo was desperate for a move to the Emirates after Brighton tried to force him to leave when he put in a written transfer request on Friday.
Chelsea were also keen on Caicedo, having previously failed to make a £55m bid.
The Blues now look set to press ahead with a big-money move for Enzo Fernandez, as well as continuing package deals with Benfica.
Chelsea put £115 million on the table, which is understood to be a record price for Argentina’s World Cup-winning club.
Graham Potter’s side were interested earlier this month, but Benfica were unhappy with Chelsea’s approach to negotiations.
But after a failed bid for Caicedo, they turned their attention to Fernandez as they sought to land South America’s top talent.
If Jorginho comes through, Arsenal will not make any further moves in the January market.
The Gunners were interested in Real Valladolid’s teenage right-back Ivan Fresneda, but their interest appears to have waned.
Fresneda appears set to stay at Real Valladolid until the end of the season, but given the number of clubs interested, a move could be made in the closing hours of the window.
