Arteta restless as Arsenal star lingers on Turkish side’s radar and manager finds it ‘unthinkable’ to use him
Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu celebrate Arsenal goal
Arsenal are still at risk of losing Jorginho less than a year after signing him from Chelsea, since reports in Turkey suggest he is still wanted by Fenerbahce.
The transfer window in Turkey is still open until September 15, which means they can still sign players from Premier League clubs, even if the English window has now shut.
Earlier in the summer, Fenerbahce began to be linked with Jorginho, who only arrived at Arsenal in January after they bought him from Chelsea.
His signing did not have the desired effect of helping them to the Premier League title, since Manchester City eventually pipped them to the top spot, but Jorginho is still someone Mikel Arteta has been wanting to keep.
According to Ajansspor reporter Arda Birben, though, Fenerbahce have not lost sight of Jorginho. In fact, he is one of three players on their shortlist to strengthen in defensive midfield.
The others are Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City and Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis.
Only one year remains on Ndidi’s contract with Leicester after their relegation to the Championship. Similarly, Rodriguez is into the final year of his terms with Real Betis.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have the option to extend Jorginho’s contract into 2025 should they wish. However, they may yet have to resist a September approach from Fenerbahce for the Italy international.
International status at risk for Jorginho
Jorginho has only amassed 17 minutes of action since the new season began. His lack of gametime has seen him dropped by new Italy head coach, Luciano Spalletti.
Speaking at his first press conference in the role, Spalletti said: “We’re going to play important matches, so we need international depth and experience. Right now, playing time is of the essence.
“At the beginning of a preparation, players like the ones I left at home, like [Marco] Verratti or Jorginho, it’s unthinkable to bring them in.”
Jorginho has previously played 48 times for Italy under previous regimes. With Euro 2024 coming up at the end of the season, he might have to consider his status at Arsenal.
Edu has also overseen the sale of Granit Xhaka from the Arsenal midfield this summer, but the Gunners completed the club-record signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United.
Regardless, the risk of losing a second experienced midfielder may not be ideal for an Arsenal side still finding their rhythm after their runners-up finish last season.
