Reports linking Jorginho with a return to Italy are wide of the mark, according to the player’s agent.
The 30-year-old only joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January but there has been speculation he could be sacrificed this summer as part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield revamp.
As it turns out, the Italy international has no intention of seeking pastures new despite the prospect of a reunion with former boss Maurizio Sarri at Lazio.
“Jorginho is very happy with Arsenal who have a very important championship to play, at the beginning of August there is the Community Shield,” agent Joao Santos told TV Play.
“There is no negotiation with Lazio. I don’t know if they have the money to pay the player, but that’s not the question.’
“He stays really well at Arsenal and in our mind, for the next season, there is only the Gunners.
“The theme is clear – the project for next year is to stay at Arsenal which can become the most important team in England.”
To make room for Declan Rice – for whom Arsenal have now lodged a bid in excess of £100 million – Arsenal will sanction the departure of Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen.
There is also interest from Saudi Arabia in Thomas Partey. While it would raise eyebrows, the Gunners are tempted to cash in on the Ghana international with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia earmarked as a replacement.
Later this afternoon, Arsenal will confirm the signing of Kai Havertz – a close friend of Jorginho – from Chelsea.
Glad to hear. We need you Jorgi.
Since when has the community shield been ‘a very important championship’??
I love the rest of what his agent says. Jorgi you stay very well at arsenal 👏
If we are losing Xhaka and Partey with Elneny still out, we definitely need him for next season. If Lavia is happening, then we can push for somene next summer. Jorginho is the experience we need.
Good to know. We need to keep him, he’s a solid squad option who played well when picked last season and his experience is invaluable, especially with Xhaka and Partey on the way out. Plus, he gave us one of last season’s greatest moments, with that shot that rebounded in off Emi Martinez’s head 😂
That game had two of my favorite moments from last season: the rebound off Martinez’s head, and the Vieira-Martinelli combo after Martinez was caught up the pitch. Still makes me laugh.
Anyway, agree on Jorginho. Really glad he’s staying.
Moment of the season for me! Even above Nelson v bournemouth.
Loved both moments, but the thrill of beating Newcastle at theirs in that game (of the season) was it for me.
And look at how we did it. Not being the soft and easy Arsenal many have come to laugh at.
Agreed I absolutely loved that game. Looking back on it, that was my favorite game too. Just complete control, sexy football and some dark arts (mainly Jorgi) that we have always been shit at. Perfect revenge from when we got slapped up at theirs the season previous.
Good news. I think he is a great player.
Why did Chelsea sell him?
Maybe because they are twats?
They don’t know what they’re doing
Same reason they sold Salah and KdB
He had 6 months on his deal and was clear he wasn’t staying. It was a good deal for all parties.
If he played well for us last season (I personally think he did), why does it matter why Chelsea sold him?
Why did Chelsea spunk 100 million on Mudryk? Like Onenil says, because they are twats. Chelsea are a fucking joke!
That experience in the squad is essential with UCL this season
Good, I really like him and I think he’ll be important next season.
Beg to differ, but I think he’s 31 – until of course he turns 32, cause that’s how it works.
Maybe he ages as he runs – slowly
Shit, has Jorginho worked out how to defeat time itself?
He defied the laws of physics with the goal that bounced off Martinez bonce so why not go up against time as well?
I like him a lot. And I can’t believe an Italian club can/will afford a price that equals his importance to us.
Like if they bid something in the region of 5m€ – I would rather keep him as a locker room leader and very talented back up.
Good decision
If it’s good enough for George Orwell then it’s good enough for me.
Don’t send me to room 101 George!!
There’s a queue mate, you’ll have to wait your turn 😉
Good.
We need a big squad this season.
Was I the only one under the impression he was about 33? Small difference, but had no idea he was just 30. Could still get another couple very strong seasons from him! Class player.
Born in Dec 1991, so really 31 going on 32.
He’s 30 until he’s 32… 🙃
Is he from South Korea?
It’s not like he ever had much pace so we still might
Good. He’s clearly a very good player and will probably get plenty of minutes next season.
I don’t think Arsenal are sanctioning the sale of Xhaka to make room for Rice – nor do I believe Lavia is replacing Partey.
Havertz is replacing Xhaka and Rice are replacing Partey. Lavia will be backup instead of Lokonga.
That’s my understanding anyway, but who knows how Arteta will line up his men this coming season!
Interesting. So, Havertz for Xhaka … that sounds like re-tooling. I have no problem with this, MA is the man for the job! Look at Zinny re-purposing, for example. That was an over-all success, even though all footballers are prone to off days
All you hear about this guy is how amazing he is in the dressing room and how great of a talker and organizer he is. I see some similarities between him and Arteta. I think he loves this club and Arteta could be helping him become part of the Arsenal coaching staff in the future. Glad he’s staying. We need more depth next season.
Him and Arteta do go back a long way, and we did to sign him years ago.
Friends united, nothing wrong with that.
I’m happy to hear this, particularly with the possible departure of Thomas Partey. This player is a master at exerting control with his passing and there aren’t too many in world football with that ability. Concerns about physicality are very real, but we can protect him by picking matches where he won’t be exposed as much or pairing him with a physical monster like Declan Rice.