BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Jorginho of Chelsea looks on where a commemorative poppy can be seen on his shirt to mark Armistice Day following the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on October 31, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
According to The Athletic (h/t Football.london), it is said that Jorginho is still admired by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The £110,000-a-week Chelsea man was a target for the Gunners but a deal could not be worked out as Chelsea were unwilling on an installment type deal that Arsenal have used in recent seasons.
The 28-year-old Italian started his youth career at Hellas Verona in 2007. In 2010, he was moved to the senior team but was loaned immediately to Sambonifacese. On his return, he became a regular feature in the Verona squad.
He played a total of 96 games for the club and helped them gain promotion to Serie A. He scored 11 and assisted 8 goals. Napoli signed him in 2014 as he went on to become their lynchpin for more than four seasons. He made over 150 appearances and contributed to 20 goals (6G + 14A).
Finally, he moved to Chelsea in 2018 along with manager Maurizio Sarri. Jorginho struggled in his first season as he looked a bit slow for the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. His form improved over the last season and is now one of Frank Lampard’s most trusted players. He has made over 100 appearances for Chelsea to date, scoring 10 and assisting 4 goals (source – Transfermarkt).
Jorginho chose to play for Italy even though he was born in Brazil. He has played 27 times for them so far, and has scored 5 goals too.
While Arsenal have a defensive midfielder in Partey, who can drop deep and protect the backline, they could also do with a pass master like Jorginho; someone who can keep playing those short passes and recycle the ball from defence to midfield.
They don’t have anyone else who can do that. Ceballos has hardly played this season while Xhaka has been used more often than not as a centre-back. Jorginho could be the final piece in their midfield jigsaw and complete the picture alongside Partey.
It’s very hard to imagine an important player like Jorginho making the switch between direct rivals. But we can’t entirely rule it out as both clubs have conducted business before. Players like Ashley Cole and more recently, David Luiz and Willian have crossed the divide.
Arsenal could well use a player like Jorginho. Mikel Arteta could have a genuinely good midfield on his hands if somehow a deal could be brokered to sign the star midfielder.