Arsenal ace Mikel Arteta calls ‘tremendous’ now responds to transfer approach

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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has informed Trabzonspor that he does not want to move to the Super Lig side following an approach to discuss a late-January window transfer.

The 32-year-old is facing a somewhat uncertain future at Emirates Stadium as he is set to be out of contract. Arsenal signed Jorginho on an 18-month deal, with an option to extend by a year, for his transfer from Chelsea last January. But the Gunners are yet to trigger the clause.

Jorginho has also struggled for minutes in the Premier League of late, having only played 19 since the November break. Mikel Arteta captained the Italy international away to Newcastle United and against Burnley, but then left him on the bench in five of their next nine fixtures.

Jorginho rejects Trabzonspor amid rival transfer interest from Besiktas

Arteta also handed Jorginho his first top-flight appearance since December 2 as a substitute in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace last Saturday. He enjoyed the final 17 minutes of the London derby. The Brazil-born technician also penned his first assist of the 2023/24 season.

Yet despite his lack of minutes with Arsenal, Sports Digitale reports that Jorginho has turned down an approach from Trabzonspor. The Super Lig side are eager to add to their midfield in January and like the 50-cap ace. But Jorginho did not share Trabzonspor’s view on a move.

Trabzonspor are not the only Super Lig squad showing an interest in Jorginho’s transfer from Arsenal this January, either. Sports Digitale journalist Sercan Dikme also reported earlier this week that Besiktas have held first contacts after Jorginho’s agent reached out about a move.

Jorginho is open to leaving Arsenal in search of more regular game time

Dikme adds that Jorginho is open to leaving Arsenal before the January market slams shut in search of regular minutes. But Charles Watts expects Arsenal to trigger the option to extend Jorginho’s contract by a further 12 months. So, Besiktas might need to test Arsenal’s resolve.

Besiktas view Jorginho in a positive light after the Arsenal star’s agent suggested his transfer is on the table. The Black Eagles are currently a point behind third-place Trabzonspor in the Super Lig table having also played a game more. Yet Jorginho seems to favour their interest.

Arteta may hope to keep Jorginho at Emirates Stadium, though, despite his reduced minutes of late. The Spaniard called the midfielder ‘tremendous’ last February following his transfer from Chelsea. Arteta also claimed he makes players look ‘better than what you actually are’.