Chelsea finally decided to switch things up a bit and have made news not for a signing, but rather a departure.
The Blues have agreed to offload Jorginho who is set to join Arsenal. The rumor first came to light a couple of days ago with Chelsea hoping to get a proper fee for the Italian midfielder. Arsenal are set to pay a £12 million fee.
The Gunners had also been chasing Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and were reportedly offering as much as £70 million with the player keen on a move. However, their bid was rejected by Brighton who are adamant in keeping Caicedo.
Understand Arsenal second bid for Moises Caicedo worth £70m fee with add ons included has been immediately rejected by Brighton tonight. 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #AFC #BHAFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2023
Should Arsenal make a new proposal in the next 48 hours, it’d be a potential record fee for the club. https://t.co/6mXNfsKI64
While Caicedo appeared to be Arsenal’s priority, the Gunners are more than pleased they were able to get Jorginho.
🚨 Jorginho transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal has gone down very well among #AFC squad + staff. Feeling is the midfielder brings technical ability, tactical understanding, experience level ideal for title bid. #CFC happy with money so all win @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/tTguH1Cj5I
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2023
Arsenal were able to add quality depth for the final stretch of the season and hope he will be an important player both to help them win the league as well as the Europa League. Jorginho certainly has the experience as he was an important player for Chelsea when they won the Champions League a few seasons ago.
As for Chelsea, they were able to get a decent fee for a player who only had six months remaining on his contract. A player who had somewhat fallen down the pecking order since the departure of Thomas Tuchel and someone who was going to be lost in the shuffle with all the new arrivals.
Chelsea were interested in reaching a deal for an extension but it seemed like all signs were pointing to an exit at the end of the season. Instead of seeing him leave on a free, Chelsea opted for getting something for him while they can. The Blues signed Jorginho back in 2018 under then manager Maurizio Sarri.