Arsenal could now sell player Arteta thinks is ‘intelligent’ after ‘contact’ made

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Jorginho could be set to leave Arsenal in the current January transfer window.

Jorginho could be prised away from Arsenal this month.

The Italian midfielder is set to become a free agent this summer, as although his current contract with the north London club includes an extension clause, the Gunners are yet to trigger it. Jorginho’s agent has already admitted that talks with Arsenal over fresh terms for the former Chelsea man have reached a “standstill.”

Now, according to journalist Sercan Dikme, Turkish club Besiktas are keen to secure the services of the 32-year-old, and have made “first contact” in an attempt to negotiate a deal. 

Despite Mikel Arteta having previously named Jorginho as one of the most “intelligent” players he has ever worked with, the Spanish coach seems reluctant to lean too heavily on the midfield veteran. 

Jorginho has managed just 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, only 4 of which have come as starts. His cameo against Crystal Palace last time out marked his first appearance in the division since December 2nd, as he was not called upon for the Gunners’ last 6 matches in the competition. 

Should Arsenal let Jorginho go now?

Arsenal paid £12 million to sign Jorginho from Chelsea last January, and in general he has proven to be a useful squad player, who adds valuable experience and leadership skills to the Gunners’ dressing room. However, he has his flaws as a player, and his lack of pace can be exposed at times.

It would be a risk, though, for Arsenal to let Jorginho leave the club this winter, given Thomas Partey’s current injury and general fitness record. With the Ghanaian sidelined, Jorginho is the first choice option to rotate in for Declan Rice when required.

The fact that Rice appeared to pick up a knock against Crystal Palace, which meant Jorginho had to take his place, proves that the elder statesman still has a vital function to fulfil in this Arsenal squad. For that reason, it is hard to imagine Arteta sanctioning Jorginho’s exit at this time, especially when it is considered that the Gunners do not have the budget with which to fund a replacement, and Mohamed Elneny is also looking likely to make a departure. 

Even if Besiktas do come forward with a formal offer, it makes little sense for Arsenal to sell Jorginho now, even if that decision comes at the cost of allowing him to leave for free in the summer.