Arsenal may face a battle to keep midfield veteran Jorginho beyond the end of the season, with a contract extension not a straightforward task.
The 32-year-old has been sublime when selected this season, and has helped get the best out of midfield partner Declan Rice.
He has made himself a crucial player for big games, with his composure and experience proving vital in victories over Liverpool and Newcastle in February.
However, with Jorginho’s contract expiring at the end of the season, there are clubs interested in signing him on a free transfer, and his agent has hinted that he could end up leaving Arsenal.
Jorginho’s agent speaks out about Arsenal future
Speaking to Italian outlet Radio Sportiva, Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos claimed that a return to Italy cannot be ruled out, but if Arsenal need the midfielder next season, he would be happy to stay.
“The group is Arsenal’s strength. Today it is a group that leads the Premier League, it is in a position of absolute importance. It is in the Champions League, it will be ahead of Bayern and there will be a lot of emotion until the end in this season,” he stated.
“He is out of contract with the Gunners, we will talk to them because he is doing well. If they need him from next season…
“It’s always like this in football: Jorginho has played in Italy all his life, he likes it a lot, why say no?”
Arsenal midfield signing could mean Jorginho departs
Santos’ comments about Arsenal needing Jorginho next season may indicate that his stance is if a new midfielder is signed this summer, that the player will look for more first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Arsenal have been linked with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who Mikel Arteta reportedly sees as ideal to partner Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Should he arrive, as a midfielder who can progress the ball like Jorginho, but provide more physicality than the Italian, the former Chelsea star may be less inclined to stay.
However, if Arsenal do sell the injury-prone Thomas Partey, then they will still need Jorginho as an experienced midfielder within the squad, but whether that convinces him to stay in a squad role remains to be seen.