Barcelona have added Arsenal midfielder Jorginho to a four-man shortlist of targets ahead of the January transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The La Liga champions are looking for a new No. 6, and they have identified the former Chelsea player as an option, along with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, Benfica’s Florentino Luis and Real Betis’s Guido Rodriguez.
There has been growing speculation about Jorginho’s future at the Emirates after barely featuring for the Gunners in the opening four fixtures of the Premier League season.
The 31-year-old was an unused substitute against Nottingham Forest on the opening day, and he has only been given brief cameo appearances off the bench in the three matches since then.
Jorginho’s agent has played down a move to Turkey
With the Turkish transfer window remaining open until September 15th, there has been speculation that the Italian international could make a switch to Fenerbahce.
However, earlier this week, Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos made it clear that the midfielder won’t be moving teams this month.
He could leave Arsenal in the New Year if his playing situation doesn’t improve
Jorginho only made the move across London from Chelsea at the start of this year but, after initially being used regularly by manager Mikel Arteta, he has fallen well down the pecking order.
The arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham, in particular, has seriously limited his minutes and it would be a surprise if he is willing to stick around after January, unless he is given a more important role in the squad.
Thomas Partey’s injury may lead to Jorginho getting more game time between now and the next international break in October but, beyond that, he could find himself spending long spells out of the team. If Barcelona do come calling, he would probably jump at the chance to go.
