Frenkie De Jong transfer, Thomas Partey future - What Jorginho's contract means for Arsenal
Keeping Jorginho has been a priority for Arsenal for some time now. The Gunners indicated months ago that they intended to offer the Italian a fresh contract rather than simply extending his initial one as a gesture of how highly he is valued within the club. It's easy to see why.
Jorginho was not exactly the most popular arrival when he signed on deadline day in January 2023, but he has gone on to prove almost every one of his doubters wrong. It is not just that the 32-year-old has been superb on the pitch in huge matches such as February's win over Liverpool; it is also the influence he has off it. In a squad of young players, Jorginho's is a respected voice in the changing room, while his upbeat attitude is appreciated by Mikel Arteta.
«He’s a top player,» the Spaniard said in February. «When we imagined what he could bring to the team, he’s doing exactly that and maybe even better.»
While Jorginho's deal is something Arsenal are glad to have got over the line, it does have an impact on the business they're likely to do this summer.
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When it comes to the defensive midfield position, Arsenal have been looking towards the future for a player who can provide competition and cover for Declan Rice. The fact that Jorginho has only been given a short term contract suggests that is still the case.
football.london understands that they have looked at Martin Zubimendi in this position, while Frenkie De Jong has been linked. Douglas Luiz and Bruno Guimaraes have also been considered in the midfield positions, but as it stands a deal
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