Arsenal must think twice about offloading transfer-linked star after what he just did vs Dinamo Zagreb

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Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans might have changed after what happened in Arsenal’s win over Dinamo Zagreb.

The Gunners are in touching distance of the Champions League round of 16 after match day seven of the competition.

Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at the Emirates to return to winning ways in style, with three impressive goals scored by Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.

Arteta was delighted to see Odegaard score his first goal from open play since April 2024, on what was a memorable night for several Gunners.

• READ MORE: Three winners and two losers from Arsenal win against Dinamo Zagreb

Jorginho was Arsenal’s unsung hero against Dinamo Zagreb

Each goalscorer rightfully made the headlines, particularly Declan Rice, who matched an Arsenal record in the Champions League by scoring after only two minutes of play.

While those with their names on the scoresheet earned high praise, the Gunners had an unsung hero on show in midfield.

In his first 90 minutes in the Champions League this season, Jorginho made everything click in the middle of the park, doing the essentials exceptionally well in a tidy display. 

Such level of control is expected, as Jorginho has been praised for the composure he brings to his team, with his performance against Dinamo Zagreb no exception.

As seen above, the Italian didn’t do anything extraordinary but, his reliable presence in midfield allowed those ahead of him to shine, being on hand to play an intricate pass or create space.

Jorginho’s mature football brain enables Arteta to call on the 33-year-old to be Arsenal’s metronome, putting on a show away from the spotlight against the Croatians.

Uncertain future for Jorginho amid transfer links

Players like the former Chelsea star are difficult to find, which is why when he’s on the pitch, Jorginho’s presence appears to be so valuable to those around him.

That’s why there must be some underlying concern regarding the midfielder’s future, as Jorginho has been the subject of transfer speculation.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates in the summer after signing a one-year extension last year.

• READ MORE: Three Arsenal stars who could leave for free in the January transfer window as contracts near expiry

Despite not being Arsenal’s poster boy, the Italian will leave a sizeable void with reference to what he offers to the squad in any situation, both on and off the pitch.

On the pitch, Arsenal have already found their Jorginho replacement in Martin Zubimendi, who looks set to arrive in the Premier League in the summer.

For now, the Gunners must appreciate what they have in Jorginho, who is rarely the headline-stealer but is so often the heartbeat behind controlled collective performances.