Arsenal are looking to sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, following the rejection of two bids for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to reports. The Gunners have been seeking cover in the midfield due to injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly expressed his desire to strengthen the team’s midfield, but Brighton’s unwillingness to part ways with Caicedo has forced the club to explore alternative options.

Jorginho has been a long-term target for Arteta and has been deemed suitable to fill the gap in the midfield.

The Italy international’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season and he is yet to sign an extension, leading to speculation that he may leave the club in the summer. The arrival of new signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £115 million may also increase the likelihood of Jorginho’s departure from Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea would be aware that by selling Jorginho to a rival club, they may be strengthening a top-performing team, the opportunity to negotiate a transfer fee before he becomes a free agent may be a factor in their decision-making. The club may also be keen to negotiate in order to clear room for Fernandez and ensure the future of Conor Gallagher, who rejected a transfer to Everton earlier this week in order to break into Brighton’s first team.

The transfer of Jorginho to Arsenal may impact the race for the top spot, with the Gunners currently sitting five points clear at the top of the table, while Chelsea are in 10th place. The price for Jorginho is expected to reflect the potential impact on the league, but Arsenal’s priority to secure a signing this month may influence the negotiation.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Jorginho is a result of Brighton’s refusal to part ways with Caicedo. The Gunners have been seeking to strengthen their midfield and have identified Jorginho as a suitable option. Chelsea’s uncertain future with Jorginho, combined with the arrival of Fernandez and Gallagher’s desire to break into the first team, may make a transfer to Arsenal more likely. The transfer fee and its impact on the league will likely be a factor in the negotiation.