Arsenal midfielder's agent admits talks over new contract are 'at a standstill'

The agent of Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has admitted talks over a new contract are currently «at a standstill».

Jorginho's current deal at the Emirates runs until the end of the season but Arsenal are understood to hold a 12-month extension clause and can therefore prevent the Italy international from leaving for free next summer.

Just what the future holds for the 31-year-old is unclear. Barcelona and AC Milan have been touted as potential suitors, while Jorginho rebuffed interest from both Turkey and Saudi Arabia during the summer following the arrival of Declan Rice.

The signings of both Rice and Jorginho's former Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz have added extra competition for minutes in Arsenal's midfield. The Italian failed to start any of Arsenal's first seven Premier League games but has now started four of the last five.

Amid all the uncertainty over his future, Jorginho's agent has now admitted talks over an extension are unlikely to be held until later in the season.

«Everything is at a standstill,» Joao Santos told . «We'll think about it after February. However, the priority remains Arsenal.»

While away with Italy during the international break, Jorginho confessed he would like to return to Italy in the future but stressed his desire to keep working at Arsenal.

«I’m very much in doubt, I would like to return to Italy, but I don’t know when the right time would be,» Jorginho told reporters.

«I want to return yes, but I don’t know when, I feel I still have things to do at Arsenal. It always takes time when you change teams, but the first six months at Arsenal were not negative, on the contrary.»

Asked about Jorginho's comments, Santos added: «In football, never say never. Today, Arsenal are his priority.»

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