Jorginho's outspoken agent talks up Serie A return for Arsenal midfielder (again) as contract ticks down

Posted Thursday, February 29, 2024 by Goal.com

Jorginho's agent has drummed up a potential Serie A return with his Arsenal contract set to expire this summer.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The 32-year-old, who made a high-profile move from Chelsea to Arsenal last year, has established himself as an important figure in the Gunners' midfield. Notably, he was handed the captain's armband by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the absence of regular skipper Martin Odegaard.

While Jorginho holds an option to prolong his tenure with Arsenal for another season, uncertainties loom over his future at the Emirates. His agent, Joao Santos, shed light on the possibility of a Serie A comeback, mentioning Lazio as a favourable destination, with Juventus, AC Milan, Inter and former club Napoli also in contention.

WHAT JOAO SANTOS SAID
Speaking to TV Play in Italy, Santos said: "He'd suit Lazio more, for the presence of coach Sarri who already knows his characteristics very well, but also Juve who have a great director of sport like Cristiano Giuntoli, who he spent many years with at Napoli. I would not rule out a return to Napoli with new coach Calzona, who used to work with Sarri before that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Jorginho's Premier League journey commenced in the summer of 2018 when he followed former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea in a €57 million (£48.7m) deal. Hence it would not be surprising if he ended up reuniting with the Italian manager who has had a tough time this campaign with Lazio. While a move to Roma appears unlikely, Santos - who spoke about a possible Serie A move last year for the 32-year-old - has the utmost respect for Milan and Inter.

"I don't think Roma would be likely, because there has never been any contact with them, but when it comes to their strength and tradition, everyone would love to play for Milan and Inter," he added.

WHAT NEXT?
Jorginho's potential Serie A return presents an intriguing narrative as clubs vie for his signature, setting the stage for an eventful transfer window ahead. Nonetheless, in the short term, Arteta might use him against Sheffield United next Monday in the Premier League.