Mikel Arteta now personally blocking one Arsenal exit despite contract uncertainty

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Mikel Arteta is now standing between Jorginho and a move away from Arsenal.

Jorginho currently faces an uncertain future at Arsenal.

In recent weeks, Jorginho has been in the headlines for all the right reasons. The veteran midfielder produced a sensational display for the Gunners in their 3-1 win over Liverpool, and showed that he could be a perfect partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta hugely appreciates Jorginho, having previously described him as one of the most intelligent players that he has ever worked with. It now seems that the Spanish coach has made it his personal mission to keep the 32-year-old at the Emirates Stadium.

As things stand, Jorginho is set to become a free agent this summer as talks over a new contract have reached a “standstill.” The north London club do still hold an option to extend his existing deal by a further year, but they have not yet taken it up and triggered the clause.

Given there is still this lack of clarity surrounding the player’s future, it is unsurprising to see him being linked with a move away from Arsenal.

As reported by Calciomercato, Juventus are extremely interested in securing the services of the former Chelsea man, but as things stand Arteta is refusing to green-light his exit.

With Arteta refusing to sanction the departure, it is clear that Jorginho remains in his plans for now, but the questions remains as to how long that will be the case for.

Why Mikel Arteta is right to want to keep Jorginho at Arsenal

There is a strong argument, and plenty of media clamour to go along with it, that Arsenal should extend Jorginho’s stay at the Emirates Stadium. His current form is proof that he still has plenty to offer, and due to his nature as a player there should not be a great deal of concern about a sudden physical decline being on the horizon. After all, Jorginho never had a great deal of pace to lose, and relies upon his technical skill and ability to read the game to thrive.

Another reason to keep Jorginho around is to ease the transition into a new-look midfield contingent. A midfield overhaul is needed at Arsenal, as even if Jorginho stays, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny could easily both move on this summer.

Keeping the 50-cap Italy international would mean that the Gunners could make a more natural and gradual process of evolution into having a rebuilt midfield unit.