Arsenal are reportedly working on a deadline day transfer for Chelsea star Jorginho. This decision to pursue the Italian midfielder comes after the Gunners had two bids for Brighton & Hove Albion's Moise Caicedo rejected.
While they are yet to hit the panic button, Arsenal have been working around the clock to get in a new midfielder before the winter transfer window shuts close in the next 24 hours. Over the past few days, the Premier League leaders have been pursuing Brighton star Moises Caicedo who remains their primary target, but are yet to reach agreement on his transfer fee.
On Sunday, the London club saw a second bid in the excess of $86M (£70M) rejected by the Seagulls after having an initial $74M bid thrown out. With Brighton playing hardball and maintaining that Caicedo will not be allowed to leave in January, Arsenal are looking to move onto a different target. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Gunners have approached Chelsea for Jorginho. The Italian midfielder's current contract expires in June and with a renewal looking unlikely, the Blues are said to be willing to negotiate his sale.
Arsenal approach Chelsea for Jorginho! It's now an option in case Caicedo deal won't go through with Brighton still reluctant to sell #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2023
Chelsea, open to sell Jorginho but will ask for important fee to let him leave 6 months before end of contract #CFC pic.twitter.com/ahkNSwakqC
Meanwhile, Chelsea should have no problems replacing their vice captain as they have made significant progress in their quest to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. The Blues have finally agreed to pay the Argentinian's $125M release clause on the condition that it will be done in instalments. Negotiations are still ongoing between the two clubs with a deal expected to go over the line before the transfer window closes on January 31st.
