Arsenal are pushing to sign Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add another midfielder to his ranks following injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. Speaking last week, the Spaniard said: “We need some more cover in midfield, ideally, if we can. But this market is complicated.”
With a deal for Moises Caicedo becoming difficult to crack with Brighton refusing to sell the wantaway Ecuador international, the Gunners are looking at alternative targets and have identified Jorginho as someone who can fill a similar void.
The 31-year-old has less than six months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and is set to depart in the summer on a free transfer. As such, could be tempted to make the switch to the Gunners and fight for a Premier League title.
Arsenal are long-time admirers of Jorginho, having first scouted the Brazilian-born Euro 2020 winner back in 2013. There were even serious transfer talks between the player’s representatives and the Gunners in the summer of 2020.
Arteta is understood to be a fan of Jorginho and himself has history with the player, having tried to sign him while the Spaniard was assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
He is desperate to add to his midfield ranks as the Gunners continue their push for the title, amid the aforementioned injuries. Arteta still has questions over whether Albert Sambi Lokonga has the necessary experience and temperament to anchor his side’s midfield as the seasons moves on into its most crucial stages and thus is surveying options.
With Brighton seemingly not for turning – even at figures in excess of £70million – Arsenal are duly pressing ahead to land Jorginho before the close of play.
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Jorginho has been with the Blues since a 2018 switch from Italian giants Napoli. He has gone on to become a key player for the West London outfit since. In his 213 appearances for the club, and has helped them to the Europa League and Champions League titles.
His agent confirmed only last month that Chelsea have offered him a new deal amid interest from former club Napoli but as it stands, Jorginho is yet to put pen to paper. Joao Santos said: “Jorginho is expiring on June 30, we have a renewal offer and we’ll give priority to Chelsea.
“Naples represented our home in Italy, [Cristiano] Giuntoli really appreciates the player, for us it’s a special place. If there was a new interest we’d be happy, however, at the moment Napoli has not had any contact with us.”
Chelsea are happy to let Jorginho leave on Tuesday, but will want a fee to allow him to exit. It will also free up space in their squad for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez. The Blues are hoping to seal an 11th-hour move for Fernandez, and are ready to meet his £105million release clause
