Mikel Arteta says he would ‘love to keep’ Arsenal star following rumours over summer exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal could be set for some key departures in the summer transfer window, but they are keen on keeping midfield veteran Jorginho.

Jorginho is out of contract at the end of the season, but Arsenal are in talks over an extension which would see the 32-year-old stay for at least another year.

The Italian is wanted by several Serie A giants, and with Arsenal potentially set to recruit another midfielder, he may find himself playing a slightly reduced role next season, which may motivate an exit.

However, Mikel Arteta has now expressed his desire to keep Jorginho at the club, and has claimed that the player is aware of how Arsenal feel about him.

Mikel Arteta says he wants to keep Jorginho at Arsenal

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta emphasised how much Arsenal want to keep Jorginho beyond the end of this season.

“I would love to keep him. He knows that. The club is fully supportive of that. He makes us better so we want him to stay,” he stated.

Jorginho has made 35 appearances this season, and established himself as a key player in the midfield alongside Declan Rice until recently.

Arsenal should keep Jorginho despite recent benchings

Jorginho brings a lot of intelligence and leadership to the squad, both on and off the pitch, and he has proven to be an outstanding addition since he was signed from Chelsea last year.

In recent games, Thomas Partey has started ahead of him, with the 30-year-old bringing extra physicality to the midfield, but Arsenal should still keep Jorginho over the Ghanaian given his poor injury record.

READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Arsenal will look to recruit another midfielder, but Jorginho could still play a lot next season as a rotation option, and Arteta clearly values his leadership highly given his strong desire to not let him leave.

Jorginho may end up playing more if he was to join a top Italian club, but it seems that he is at home in North London and enjoying playing for Arteta, which should hopefully convince him to stay and sign a new deal.