Arsenal have agreed with Chelsea to sign Brazilian-born Italy midfielder Jorginho on a £12 million deal.
The 31-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Napoli in 2014, is into the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho, who is set to become Arsenal’s third signing of the January window, will now have a medical before signing an 18-month contract with the option of a further year.
The Gunners turned their attentions to Jorginho after having two bids rejected by Brighton for Moises Caicedo.
Brighton say Caicedo is not for sale and it looks increasingly likely the Ecuador midfielder will remain at the club after the 11pm deadline.
Arsenal previously bought Poland defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia for £17.6 million and Belgium striker Leandro Trossard, who moved from Brighton for £21 million.
Mikel Arteta’s side are five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand on the sides immediately below them.