Arsenal BREAK OFF contract talks with key man and Juventus ready to pounce

Arsenal have “suddenly stopped” contract negotiations with Jorginho, according to the latest reports from Italy, and that could push the Euro 2020 winner back to Serie A at the end of the season.

It had previously been reported that the Brazil-born playmaker would be offered a one-year extension to his current deal, due to expire at the end of this season, with a further year as an option.

However, no such deal has been signed with the 32-year-old, who could now be returning to Italy at the end of the current campaign.

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Juventus have previously been mentioned as suitors for Jorginho, with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli having worked with Jorginho at Napoli and the Bianconeri seeking options to refresh their midfield.

The likes of Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta, Manchester United flop Sofyan Amrabat and Shakhtar Donetsk wonderkid Heorhii Sudakov have also been touted as possible midfield arrivals for the Turin club.

Lazio had also been suggested as a potential destination for Jorginho but those links are likely to come to nought now the player’s former Napoli and Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri having departed.

Jorginho in good form as Arsenal go top of the league

Champions League winner Jorginho joined Arsenal in February 2023 from the Blues on an initial 18-month contract for a fee of £12 million.

Those terms are about to expire with no further breakthrough yet achieved and Calciomercato now states that Jorginho is strongly considering a return to Italy.

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

Jorginho has represented Arsenal 44 times since his move from Chelsea and has been in strong form throughout 2024.

The Gunners have put together an eight-game winning run to take them top of the Premier League table and Jorginho has featured prominently.

Mikel Arteta’s side are seeking a first English top-flight title in two decades amid competition from Liverpool and Manchester City.