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Arsenal announce shock £12m signing of Jorginho on short-term contract

 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have completed the deadline day signing of Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on an 18-month contract.

The Italian international emerged as a shock target after the failed pursuit of Brighton star Moises Caicedo, who was the subject of two offers.

Brighton, however, rejected both bids and duly forced the Premier League leaders into a short-term move for Jorginho.

A stalwart at Stamford Bridge following his arrival in the summer of 2018, the 31-year-old also had interest from Barcelona and former club Napoli.

Mikel Arteta had been keen to draft in midfielder and a £12m deal to bring the Italian to the Emirates Stadium was struck with only hours left in the window.

Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi were also considered but none of those moves proved feasible.

The Gunners boss is a long-term fan of Jorginho and was interested in him as far back as 2020, while Chelsea were happy to sanction the deal, with the player able to leave for free this summer.