Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield in the summer, but a big arrival could lead to a big departure.
Mikel Arteta has tried various midfield shapes and selections throughout the campaign, with summer signing Declan Rice initially starting at the base, with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard in more advanced roles, but he switched this up after initial teething problems.
Jorginho came into the side whilst Thomas Partey struggled with injury, and Arsenal found great success with the Italian next to Rice, or with Rice in a number eight role.
Martin Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates, and whilst this is a deal which could help Arteta settle on his midfield, it could mean that Jorginho opts to leave the club in the summer.
Jorginho could leave Arsenal at the end of the season
Jorginho’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and Arsenal have entered talks over an extension, with Arteta highly valuing his contributions on and off the pitch.
However, The Standard have now confirmed that there is interest in the 32-year-old from clubs in Italy, and have claimed that he “may be tempted” to return, having left his home nation in 2018 to sign for Chelsea.
If a new midfielder is signed, it would push Jorginho further down the pecking order, with Thomas Partey’s recent return also raising the possibility that the Ghanaian is preferred to him for the final few games of this season.
The interest from Italy could see Jorginho play regularly elsewhere, and he may be keen on such a move rather than spending another year in and out of the team.
Arsenal would benefit from keeping Jorginho
If Jorginho wants to leave it will be somewhat beyond Arteta’s control, but they should make every effort to keep him, even if a new midfielder is signed.
Partey’s injury problems means that he cannot be relied upon, and should still be sold despite his recent excellent performance against Chelsea.
A long term signing in midfield, with Jorginho as a reliable rotation option for at least a season, would be the ideal squad setup for Arteta next season, and it will be tough to replace the Italian’s experience and intelligence should he depart.