Arsenal sign Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea for £12m

The 31-year-old midfielder has signed an 18-month contract and will bolster Mikel Arteta’s table-topping team hours after their second bid for Brighton's Moises Caicedo was rejected.

Jorginho, who was born in Brazil but moved to Italy as a teenager, made 143 Premier League appearences for the Blues and won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Club World Cup during a glittering four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge.

It is hoped the player, who won the European Championship for Italy in 2021, will bring much needed experience to the Gunners as they push for the title.

"I’m very excited for this new challenge, and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch to be honest!" he told Arsenal.com.

"Everything has happened so fast. I was a bit surprised, but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge.

"It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.”

Arteta said: "Jorginho is a midfield player with intelligence, deep leadership skills and a huge amount of Premier League and international experience.

"Jorginho has won in his career, but he still has the hunger and huge willingness to contribute here.

"We are so pleased to sign Jorginho and welcome him and his family to the club."

Sporting Director Edu added: "Jorginho is an established professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience into our squad.

"He is a player who fits our style of play, and he joins us at a very good moment where he can contribute in a key position to help maintain our momentum."

Jorginho will join the squad and be available for Arsenal's next match, against relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.