£12m Jorginho move down to Mikel Arteta – but Arsenal face nervous Enzo Fernandez wait

On Jan 31, 2023

Arsenal’s £12million move for Jorginho is reportedly down to Gunners manager Mikel Arteta – although the move appears to be reliant on Enzo Fernandez’s switch to Chelsea.

The Gunners have been given permission to speak with Jorginho on Transfer Deadline Day, and their interest in the Chelsea midfielder stems from Arteta after failing to snap up Brighton ace Moises Caicedo, according to The Athletic. Arteta is looking for some new midfield steel to provide cover for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka following the injury of Mohamed Elneny as the Gunners aim to secure the Premier League title.

And Arteta reckons Jorginho, whose Chelsea deal expires this summer, is the right man to bolster his squad heading into the latter stages of the season. If they do manage to hash out terms with the Brazilian-born ace, they’ll have to initially spend £12million for him, but that fee could rise to £15m, according to talkSPORT.

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Talks appear to be developing well between both parties as it’s been claimed Jorginho’s medical at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground is scheduled for Tuesday. However, Jorginho’s switch to the Emirates reportedly depends on whether Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez joins the Blues or not.

Chelsea have been desperately trying to attain the 22-year-old in the transfer window to no avail thus far. Benfica are holding out for the £106m release clause fee embedded in Fernandez’s contract in order to let him leave.

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Jorginho is poised to have a medical ahead of a proposed £12m move to Arsenal, that could rise to £15m
(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

And the Blues are hoping to cajole the Portuguese side into selling by presenting alternative offers.

One of the deals include £88m up front and a player of Benfica’s choice to sweeten the deal if agreed upon by the Blues – or the full £106m that will be paid over time, according to TYC Sports.

But Jorginho’s transfer to Arsenal depends on if Chelsea manage to sign Benfica ace Enzo Fernandez or not
(Image: Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)

But with the clock ticking, Chelsea anxiously wait to see if Benfica are willing to play ball.

And Jorginho’s proposed switch to Arsenal also depends on Fernandez’s situation as his move to Stamford Bridge will push the 31-year-old down further down the pecking order in Graham Potter’s side, it was added by The Athletic.