Why Jorginho could leave Arsenal for Barcelona in January

James Shearman

• Updated: 12 Oct 2023 19:16 BST
• 3 min read

Jorginho has once again been linked with a move to Barcelona, amid Arsenal exit rumours.

The 31-year-old signed for Mikel Arteta's side in January, after leaving Chelsea - where he spent more than four years.

He enjoyed great success at Stamford Bridge, most notably winning the Champions League, but was in need of a new challenge.

READ: Who is Mason Melia? The 'next Evan Ferguson' eyed by Liverpool and Man City

He was brought in to Arsenal midway through last season to help them get over the line in winning the Premier League title.

However, the addition of his calming presence in the centre of midfield was not enough to see off Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

As a result, the Gunners decided to upgrade on Jorginho in the summer transfer window - signing Declan Rice in a £105 million deal from West Ham.

Rice has been excellent thus far and has kept his Italian teammate on the bench for the most part.

Jorginho will not be impressed with his lack of playing time and could seek an exit from the north London club as early as January.

Barcelona are looking to add midfield reinforcements and the UEFA Euro 2020 winner has been on their radar for a while.

In November last year, prior to his move to Arsenal, Jorginho's agent, Joao Santos, reportedly met with Barcelona chief, Mateu Alemany.

Declan Rice on Jorginho

Declan Rice has been impressed with Jorginho's quality, admitting to taking notes from him in training.

"The one who surprised me so much... playing with him every day in training and seeing how he is, because he’s not the biggest, is Jorginho," Rice told Channel 4.

"His brain, the way it works, as a holding midfielder, I’ve just been trying to pick up little things off of him.

"He’s always in position, he always knows when to pass, always creates time for himself, he’s an outstanding trainer."