Arsenal midfielder Jorginho could depart the club during the January transfer window due to limited playing opportunities, according to recent reports. The 33-year-old, who joined Arsenal midway through the 2022/23 season from Chelsea in a £12 million deal, is nearing the end of his contract and appears unlikely to receive an extension.
The Italian international, capped 57 times, has struggled for consistent game time under Mikel Arteta this season, making only nine starts across all competitions. Frustrated by his reduced role, Jorginho is now considering a move away from the Emirates. ESPN reports that his agent has held talks with Arsenal, and the player has been offered to Brazilian club Palmeiras as a potential destination.
Born in Brazil but representing Italy at the international level, Jorginho is also open to joining Flamengo, another prominent Brazilian club, during the winter transfer window.
Arsenal might be inclined to sell the midfielder in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer, using the funds to bolster their squad ahead of the season’s crucial second half.
The Gunners remain in contention for the Premier League title but currently trail league leaders Liverpool by six points. However, they have faced challenges in recent weeks, particularly in creating chances and delivering attacking inspiration. This issue has been exacerbated by the long-term injury to star winger Bukayo Saka, leaving Arsenal in need of reinforcements.
Manager Mikel Arteta has been asked about potential January signings to address the team’s creative shortcomings. While Arteta has acknowledged the squad’s limitations, he has been cautious in revealing specific plans.
Speaking in recent interviews, Arteta admitted the challenges of making impactful additions during the January window.
“We are very aware because we have certain squad limitations and a lot of gaps to cover to become the team that we want,” Arteta explained. “The availability of those players and the ability to afford them are also factors.
Sometimes that makes it impossible. Bringing in bodies doesn’t help at all—it has to be someone who can immediately improve performance and bring something we don’t have. In this market, that’s very difficult to achieve.”
As the January window approaches, Jorginho’s future remains uncertain. While Palmeiras and Flamengo are potential suitors, Arsenal will weigh their options carefully, considering both the player’s value and the team’s immediate needs in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
