According to a report from The Sun, Barcelona are considering employing a transfer strategy similar to the one they used to acquire Ilkay Gundogan in an attempt to secure Arsenal midfielder Jorginho on a free transfer. Jorginho’s current contract is due to expire next summer, allowing him to join another club as a free agent unless the Gunners renew his contract.
Jorginho’s Campaign With Arsenal Last Season
Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023 in a move that was seen as a coup for the Gunners. The Italian midfielder had won the Champions League and the European Championship with Chelsea, and he was seen as a major upgrade to Arsenal’s midfield.
Jorginho’s 2022/23 season with Arsenal was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his brilliance, but he was also inconsistent and prone to errors. The Italy international provided with just one assist in 16 appearances across all competitions failing to make a lasting impact on Mikel Arteta.
Decent Fit For Barcelona Boss Xavi?
Jorginho is a deep-lying midfielder who is known for his passing and ball retention skills. He is a key player for both Chelsea and the Italy national team. The Italian midfielder’s passing is his most notable ability. He has a great range of passing, and he is able to pick out teammates with accurate passes, both short and long. He is also very good at controlling the tempo of the game, and he can slow the game down when necessary or speed it up when needed.
Additionally, he is very good at shielding the ball from opponents, and he is able to keep possession even under pressure. He is also very good at retaining possession, and he is able to move the ball around the midfield to create openings for his teammates which makes him a decent fit for Xavi’s play style.
Moreover, Arsenal’s acquisition of Declan Rice has pushed Jorginho further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium which gives Barca a significant boost in their pursuit. However, Thomas Partey’s injury might necessitate Arteta’s increased reliance on the Italian midfielder following the international break so we can only wait until the end of this season to see where his future lies beyond the contract.
