Arsenal ready to open talks with Jorginho over new deal

Arsenal are ready to open negotiations with Jorginho over a new contract and Juventus are watching the situation with interest.

The Italian international joined the Gunners from Chelsea in February 2023 in a deal with £12 million. He initially signed an 18-month deal with it being reported at the time that the club had an option of extending it for a further year.

There had been little indication that Arsenal were prepared to talk to the midfielder over a new deal up until recent weeks but the situation has now changed according to PA.

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FootballTransfers first reported in September that Jorginho was not being considered for sale by Arsenal last summer and that they intended to keep him around until 2025.

The 32-year-old has been in good form since the turn of the year, especially in Premier League wins against Liverpool and Newcastle, and that could lead to a new deal being offered.

It's been reported that the former Napoli star could be offered another "one plus one" deal, a further season with the option of an extension.

Jorginho has played 41 times for the North London side since moving over from Stamford Bridge, with whom he won the Champions League and Europa League.

Jorginho starring in 2024 title chase

The Brazil-born schemer was also a Euro 2020 champion with Italy at Wembley and now has the chance to add the Premier League title to his collection with Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are involved in a three-way title race with Liverpool and Manchester City, sitting two points off the summit with 12 matches to go.

Should the Gunners fail to offer new terms to Jorginho then a move to Italy would be on the cards. Lazio, under his former Napoli and Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri, are a natural destination but Juventus could well come into the running.

Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is well-known to Jorginho having been his boss in Naples and the Turin club are ready to work the free transfer market in the summer upon their expected return to the Champions League.

The Bianconeri would seek to add experience to their midfield and Jorginho is a long-standing target according to Calciomercato.

Agent wants Arsenal renewal

His agent, Joao Santos, recently said to TvPlay: "We will evaluate the proposal that comes to the table and decide for the best.

“Obviously the priority is the renewal with Arsenal because he gets along very well with everyone, but with his contract expiring we hope the team that wants his best comes along.

“I don't know if it's for a question of money and strategy but so far no big names in Serie A have shown interest but if we have to play a game I would see it better at Lazio due to the presence of Mr Sarri who knows his characteristics very well but also at Juve where there is a great sporting director like Giuntoli with whom he lived many good years at Napoli.”