Arsenal: £12m deadline signing confirmed as Arteta hires 'hungry' ex-Chelsea man Jorginho

Arsenal have confirmed they have signed Jorginho on a permanent basis from rivals Chelsea for up to £12m with add-ons.

The Gunners moved quickly to sign Jorginho before the transfer window closed on Tuesday night.

The World Cup winner was expected to be out of contract at the end of this season, but Chelsea have let him go now so he won't go on a free transfer this summer.

Arsenal previously targeted Moises Caicedo but Brighton have made it clear their prized asset will not be leaving the club this month.

Jorginho has started 15 times for Chelsea in the Premier League this season and his experience could prove important as Arsenal seek to beat Man City for the Premier League title.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder has signed a deal until 2024 and that Arsenal will pay Chelsea an initial fee of £10m and that fee could rise to £12m with add-ons.

Arsenal duo Edu and Mikel Arteta have been full of praise for the club's new signing.

"Jorginho is an established professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience to our team," said technical director Edu.

"He is a player who fits our style of play, and he joins us at a very good time where he can contribute in a key position to help us maintain our momentum. We welcome Jorginho to Arsenal ."

Head Coach Arteta added: "Jorginho is a midfielder with intelligence, strong leadership skills and huge Premier League and international experience. Jorginho has won in his career , but he still has the desire and the will to contribute here.

"We are delighted to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club."

Jorginho, meanwhile, insisted he relished the "incredible challenge".

"I'm very excited for this new challenge, and I'm just looking forward to being on the pitch to be honest. Everything happened so fast," Jorginho said (via club website).

"I was a little surprised, but I took the opportunity of this incredible challenge.

"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 carry with me.

"I'm just trying to help with the experience I've had in my time with the other clubs and all I can do to help the team achieve more and more is my goal.

"All I can promise is that I will give my all to represent this club."

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