Arsenal have now set their timeframe to decide if Jorginho will see the Gunners take up an option to extend his contract, with the midfielder set to be a free agent in July.
The 32-year-old agreed to sign an initial 18-month deal to secure a transfer to Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023. But the north London giants included an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months. Now, Mikel Arteta must decide if Jorginho has a future for the club.
Jorginho has only played a bit-part role at Emirates Stadium so far this season with just four starts through 13 Premier League appearances. He has further only featured for 20 minutes since the November international break with four brief cameos from nine possible matches.
Arsenal will decide on Jorginho’s contract option in the coming weeks
Arteta had captained Jorginho in Arsenal’s two matches before the November break against Newcastle United and Burnley. He also led the Gunners twice in the Champions League over three starts from five outings, whilst taking their armband in their two Carabao Cup clashes.
Now, however, decision time looms at the Emirates. So, football.london reports that Arsenal will inform Jorginho of their stance on his contract option in the coming weeks. The Gunners are set to reshape the engine room this summer with Mohamed Elneny also out of contract.
Arsenal are also still receptive to transfer bids for Thomas Partey, with the Ghanaian, Elneny and Jorginho in their 30s. But Arteta may choose to retain Jorginho through their option, so Arsenal can avoid having to replace another midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The Evening Standard noted in January that Jorginho is open to Arsenal taking up the option to extend his contract. He also remains a popular presence in their dressing room and Arteta appreciates the Italian’s ability to pass on the manager’s messages during the club’s fixtures.
Jorginho may yet secure a transfer to Turkey after interest from Besiktas
Jorginho even rejected a chance to leave Arsenal in January, as Sports Digitale reported that Trabzonspor contacted the Brazil-born ace. The Super Lig side strived to see Jorginho head to Turkey to bolster their engine room. But he did not appreciate the possibility of the switch.
Sports Digitale reporter Sercan Dikme also cited interest from Besiktas in Jorginho’s transfer. The Black Eagles even held talks with the midfielder’s agent about a potential switch. Dikme further suggested that Jorginho was open to leaving Arsenal to enjoy more regular minutes.
Arsenal may still face a potential fight to retain Jorginho, despite the transfer market closing to Premier League sides on Thursday. The window remains open in Turkey until 23:00 GMT on February 9. So, Jorginho could yet agree to a transfer to Besiktas, should the Italian wish.
Losing Jorginho now – despite his reduced role at Emirates Stadium – might frustrate Arteta with Arsenal unable to replace a player whom Declan Rice rates very highly and learns from.
Rice told Channel 4 in September: “The one that surprised me so much – well, not surprised me, as I knew he was such a good player anyway – but playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is because he’s not the biggest is Jorginho.
“His brain, the way it works as a holding midfielder – I have just been trying to pick up little things off him because he is always in position, he always knows when to pass [and] always creates time for himself. He is an outstanding trainer.”
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