Arsenal’s ‘best player in training’ could now be allowed to leave in January

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Arsenal could now let the player who Gabriel Jesus thinks is their best in training leave in January amid Barcelona and Juventus showing an interest in a deal to sign Jorginho.

The Brazilian has been speaking with TikTokers, Footballer Fits, and sang the praises of what Jorginho shows at London Colney. Jesus is in awe of what the Italian offers at Arsenal’s base to merit a place in the side. He believes Jorginho pushes himself unlike any other teammate.

Yet Jesus’ praise comes following reports by Sport Italia in September that Arsenal are open to granting Jorginho’s transfer. He is a possible mid-season target for Fenerbahce after the Super Lig side failed to strike a deal in the summer. But Mikel Arteta blocked any move then.

Arsenal are open to sanctioning a transfer for Jorginho in January

Now, though, Arsenal believe they can make do without Jorginho following their club-record transfer of Declan Rice from West Ham. The 31-year-old’s possible availability is also earning interest in Italy and Spain. ESPN now notes that Barcelona are studying a move for Jorginho.

Barcelona are desperate for a new defensive midfielder and believe Jorginho can help Xavi’s side. Yet the Blaugrana may also have to fight Juventus, who also want to sign Jorginho, per Calciomercato. The Bianconeri also have an advantage in any race via their sporting director.

Juventus appointed Cristiano Giuntoli as their new sporting director in July. He has a strong relationship with Jorginho from their spells at Napoli. The midfielder left the Azzurri back in July 2018 to join Chelsea for £57m. He left for Arsenal this January for £10m, rising to £12m.

Gabriel Jesus thinks Jorginho is the Gunners’ best player in training

Arsenal only awarded Jorginho an initial 18-month contract to join from Chelsea. His terms also include the option for an additional year running until June 2025. But the Gunners are yet to activate their clause and Jorginho admits he has not held any conversations about it.

“I haven’t had any conversations, to be honest,” Jorginho claimed, via the Evening Standard. “And the only thing I can say is that I feel really good here, and I am really happy at Arsenal.”

But while Jorginho stated he is happy at Arsenal before starting at Chelsea, the Gunners are potentially happy to sanction his transfer in January. Doing so would even see Arteta let the person Jesus believes is Arsenal’s best player in training leave Emirates Stadium after a year.

Jesus responded in a quickfire Q&A when Footballer Fits asked who Arsenal’s best trainer is: “What I heard is Jorginho!”

Yet while Jesus believes Jorginho is Arsenal’s best trainer, Gabriel Martinelli believes it is the striker. Martinelli also spoke with Footballer Fits and he simply replied, ‘Jesus’. While Aaron Ramsdale named Rice as Arsenal’s best trainer following his impressive start with the club.

Jorginho’s efforts in training over the October international break likely convinced Arteta to start the 31-year-old at Chelsea last Saturday. It was only the 48-cap Italian’s second start in the Premier League this season. Jorginho also started in their 1-0 win over Manchester City.