The agent of Arsenal and Premier League veteran Jorginho has named four Serie A clubs who could be in contention to sign the Italy international with Milan or Inter likely to tempt the former Napoli ace.
If you are still unconvinced about the qualities of one of the modern Premier League’s more divisive players – and no, we don’t mean his Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz – Jorginho’s recent performances during those big wins over Liverpool and Newcastle United should go some way to explaining why he retains Mikel Arteta’s trust.
What Jorginho lacks in pace and power, he more than makes up for with a poise and a passing range which would not have looked out of place at Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
Arsenal must make Jorginho decision
With 109 and 103 respectively, Jorginho made the most touches and the most passes of any player on the pitch as Arsenal shredded Newcastle 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium (WhoScored). No wonder Arteta was keen to point out – after that similarly emphatic victory over West Ham a few weeks ago – that he is ‘very happy’ with the contributions of a man who crossed the London divide from Chelsea for £12 million.
But with his contract expiring this summer – and with Jorginho admitting that talks over an extension are yet to take place – the Brazil-born playmaker’s agent could be in for a busy few months.
“If we have to play a game, I would see him better at Lazio due to the presence of Mr (Maurizio) Sarri, who knows his characteristics very well,” Joao Santos tells Calciomercato, his client playing under Sarri both at Napoli and Chelsea.
“But also at Juventus, where there is a great sporting director like (Cristiano) Giuntoli with whom he spent many good years at Napoli.”
Santos believes that a move to Roma is unlikely. Should Milan or Inter come calling, however, the opportunity for Jorginho to take his string-pulling, tempo-setting talents to the San Siro may be difficult to refuse.
Serie A return on the cards
“I don’t think (Jorginho could go to) Roma, because there has never been contact,” the agent adds. “But, by force and tradition, we don’t exclude Milan and Inter. (Two clubs) where everyone would like to play.
“We will evaluate the proposal that comes to the table and we will decide. Obviously, the priority is the renewal with Arsenal because he is very happy with everyone. But with his contract expiring we hope the team that wants his best will arrive.”
HITC Football understands that Arsenal have identified Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa and Real Sociedad’s ‘world-class’ Spain international Martin Zubimendi as two of their top summer targets. Both players look well-suited to taking Jorginho’s place.
There is also interest at the Emirates in Fiorentina flyer Michael Kayode.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
