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Arsenal midfielder Jorginho will allegedly be granted a new contract due to his increased importance to the squad.
The former Chelsea and Napoli lynchpin signed an 18-month contract with Mikel Arteta’s club in January 2023, after Mohamed Elneny sustained a catastrophic knee injury.
Jorginho was a regular in Arteta’s side during his first half-season with the club, but he appears to be relegated to a supporting position in 2023-24 due to the additions of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
The Italy international began the season on the outskirts of the Arsenal XI, but since the turn of the year, he has developed into an important player for Arteta in the middle of the field.
Jorginho has one goal and one assist from 28 appearances this season and has started four of Arsenal’s past six Premier League games, gaining special praise for his performances in victories over Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Jorginho also played 83 minutes in Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second-leg triumph over Porto, and his move to number six has given Rice more opportunities to saunter forward.
As things stand, the Italian can leave the club as a free agent at the conclusion of the season, but Arsenal can activate a 12-month extension to keep him on the books until 2025.
It was previously rumored that the North London club was planning to initiate discussions on a new contract rather than just triggering his one-year option, and according to Football Insider, Jorginho will be offered new terms.
The Champions League and Euro 2020 champion is reportedly looking for a two-year contract until 2026 if he stays, and Arsenal are sure they can reach an arrangement with his representatives.
Arsenal opens talks on second deal for Jorginho as demands emerge
Jorginho has already played 44 games for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring one goal and setting up two more, yet he has been extensively linked with a return to Italy if he decides to retire from the Premier League.
The midfielder’s agent recently mentioned a possible return to Serie A for his client, but Arteta and sports director Edu have successfully persuaded a number of key players to extend their contracts in recent months.
On Wednesday, the Gunners announced that fan favourite right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has signed a new long-term contract, just a few days after fellow defender Ben White agreed an extension.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Aaron Ramsdale, and Reiss Nelson have all signed contract extensions since the beginning of last season, however the last two may leave this summer due to a lack of minutes.
Arsenal began the international break at the top of the Premier League table, leading Liverpool on goal difference and one point ahead of Manchester City, whom they face in a mouthwatering Etihad clash on March 31.
