Jorginho joins EPL leaders Arsenal

LONDON, England (AP):

Italy international Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea for a reported 12 million pounds (US$14.75 million) deal yesterday, a deadline-day move that gives the English Premier League (EPL) leaders an extra option in midfield in their bid to win a first top-flight title since 2004.

Arsenal made a late move in the transfer window to strengthen their central-midfield department, with Mohamed Elneny - a backup to first-choice holding midfielder Thomas Partey - ruled out for a lengthy period on Tuesday because of injury.

Jorginho, who helped Italy win the European Championship in 2021, spent four years and six months at Chelsea after joining from Napoli. He was no longer a regular player at Chelsea under manager Graham Potter.

Chelsea recouped some money having spent around US$225 million on new players in the January transfer window.

Arsenal (50 points) lead the league by five points ahead of second-place Manchester City and have a game in hand.