Spanish giants Barcelona are now reportedly eyeing up Arsenal star Jorginho for a January move, with the player not currently starting for his side.
The 31-year-old was linked with a move to Fenerbahce over the summer, but his agent recently denied any talk of a move, so this comes as a surprise.
Mundo Deportivo have claimed that Barcelona want another defensive midfielder to help support Oriole Romeu in the position, and Jorginho has been named as an option given his lack of starts and the fact that his contract runs out next summer.
Jorginho appeared off the bench in Arsenal’s last three matches, but the signing of Declan Rice this summer means that his starting opportunities are currently limited.
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Arsenal should not sell Jorginho
The Italian has proven to be useful since his arrival in January, and as an exceptional passer of the ball, he can bring composure and calmness to the midfield to a level unmatched by anyone else in the Arsenal squad.
He is one of the most experienced players in the dressing room, and will likely start some games before January, with Thomas Partey currently injured.
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Given Mikel Arteta’s admiration for the player, a sale would be surprising, and Jorginho seems settled in London. With Barcelona struggling financially, it seems unlikely that they will be able to make an offer high enough for Arsenal to consider parting ways with the midfielder halfway through the season.
Jorginho’s signing raised a few eyebrows but he has proven to be a terrific addition to the squad, bringing technical quality and intelligence to the midfield, and his player-of-the-match performance against Newcastle last season showed that despite his age, he still has the legs to be able to shine in tough away games.
He is too useful, even off the bench, to consider selling right now, and Barcelona will have to look elsewhere.