ARSENAL are reportedly ‘close’ to sealing a sensational swoop for Chelsea’s contract rebel Jorginho.
Mikel Arteta is on the search for a midfielder with Brighton so far refusing to sell number one target Moises Caicedo.
Arsenal could sign Jorginho as an alternative and are looking to take advantage of the fact he is out of contract in the summer.
Sky Sports in Germany are reporting that the Italian international is ‘close’ to moving across London in a move that would raise some eyebrows.
The move has come about because fellow Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher is believed to have rejected a move to Everton.
Chelsea could look to cash in on Jorginho now but that could depend on the success of their move for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, report The Athletic.
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The Blues have reignited their interest Fernandez after bidding for the Argentina international at the beginning of the month.
Arsenal have several targets in mind and are determined to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow.
They view Jorginho, 31, as an alternative for Caicedo after reportedly seeing a £70million bid rejected for the Ecuadorian.
And it is thought that Brighton’s position will not change before the window closes.
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Caicedo has been told to stay away from training until after the deadline passes and was excluded from Brighton’s FA Cup win over Liverpool at the weekend.
But Chelsea could also demand a significant fee to let Jorginho leave, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
It is believed Arsenal are also preparing another offer for Caicedo in the region of £70m with £5m worth of add-ons.
That would be a club record fee for Arsenal, eclipsing the £72m spent on flop Nicolas Pepe.
Brighton could be open to selling before the end of the transfer window but are holding out for £80m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
