Arsenal are eyeing a surprise swoop for Chelsea star Jorginho as Mikel Arteta attempts to seal a deadline day move for a midfielder.
The Gunners’ boss has already expressed his desire to add to his midfield options this month following injuries sustained by 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. But as I always say, the most important thing is we get the performances and the time on the pitch with the players we already have on the pitch are really good.”
One of the main options being considered was Brighton star Moises Caicedo. The Gunners have already apparently lodged two bids for the Ecuadorian but have been left frustrated by the Seagulls’ huge demands.
The 21-year-old has already attempted to take matters into his own hands having penned a request to leave the club and shared his statement on social media. Movement on a potential deal has been minimal though with Arsenal now exploring alternatives.
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is potentially a player that could arrive at the Emirates Stadium on deadline day. A move has apparently been explored with the Italian’s contract set to expire in the summer.
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Chelsea are said to be open to letting him leave depending on their move for Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez but still want to receive a considerable fee for his services. Jorginho has been with the Blues since a 2018 switch from Italian giants Napoli.
Despite an inconsistent first season, he has gone on to become a key player for the West London outfit since. In his 213 appearances for the club, he has helped them to the Europa League and Champions League titles.
It remains to be seen if Arsenal are able to tempt him to make a switch across London. A number of other clubs have been credited with an interest in his services included Spanish giants Barcelona and Premier League rivals Newcastle.
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. As quoted by TuttoMercatoWeb, 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.”
Elsewhere, Arsenal have already made the decision not to pursue Leicester star Youri Tielemans as a midfield recruit this January but could explore a deal in the summer when he becomes a free agent.
