Also according to the press, the contract would be 18 months plus an optional year for the European champion, voted UEFA's best player in 2021 after also winning the Champions League with the Blues that year.

"Jorginho is a midfielder with intelligence, great leadership skills and huge Premier League and international experience," said coach Mikel Arteta, also stressing that his new player was "always hungry" for more. securities.

"He's a player who suits our style of play well and he joins us at a very good time to contribute a key pose and help us maintain our momentum," added Gunners sporting director Edu. .

Arsenal, current leaders of the Premier League with five points ahead of Manchester City and one game less, dream of winning their first national title for 19 years.

After failing to snatch Ecuadorian midfielder Moisès Caicedo from Brighton, despite nearly 80 million euros offered according to the press, Arsenal opted for a closer and cheaper solution with the Italian, who had six months left on his contract. .

With the injury to the ribs of Thomas Partey against Manchester City, in the FA Cup, and the announcement that the Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, operated on a knee, will be absent for several months, recruiting a midfielder had become absolutely essential.

Beaten by Chelsea in recruiting Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk a few days ago, Arsenal signed three players this winter.

In addition to Jorginho, Belgian winger Leandro Trossard, stolen from Brighton, and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, from Italian club La Spezia, will wear the Londoners' red and white jersey.

© 2023 AFP