Arsenal are seriously considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.
The Gunners see a potential opportunity as the player is in the last six months of his contract and Chelsea are trying to finalize a deal for Enzo Fernandez.
Arsenal remain ready to complete a deal for Moises Caicedo if Brighton change their ‘not for sale’ stance.
It is clear that the Premier League leaders are pushing hard to strengthen the midfield on deadline day.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal attempted to sign Jorginho in the summer of 2020, the year before the midfielder won the Champions League and European Championship with Italy.
Arteta was also assistant manager at Manchester City when they tried to sign him in 2018, but Jorginho refused to join Maurizio Sarri instead at Chelsea from Napoli.
Squad depth, Europe, experience… why Arsenal are for Jorginho
Sky Sports News’ Gail Davies:
“People might be surprised when you look at the profile of the players Arsenal have signed, but Mikel Arteta stressed on the day they signed Leandro Trossar that they need players who are fit and ready to go straight into The Premier League. This is Jorginho.
“Arsenal are lacking in midfield. Mohamed Elny is out and there was no commitment from Arteta when he could return. We know Thomas Partey picked up that injury in the bowl and he went for an MRI on his ribs. So the team looks weak there.
“Europe is about to start again and they will go Thursday-Sunday-Thursday-Sunday and they want someone else to come in.
“Moises Caicedo is the man who attracted a lot of attention from Chelsea and Arsenal who made two offers. Brighton say he is not for sale.
“If Arsenal were not in this position in the league, chasing their first title in almost two decades, would Arsenal and Arteta be moving in this way? But that makes it an interesting final day.”
Analysis: Arsenal eager for new midfielder
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
One of the most important factors behind Arsenal’s success this season has been that they have been able to keep Thomas Partey fit. The Ghanaian was sorely missed during his spells on the sidelines last season and Arsenal’s record with and without him proves it.
In fact, taking the current campaign into account, Arsenal’s win rate stands at 74 per cent in the Premier League games he has started, compared to just 50 per cent in those he has missed.
The gulf in quality between him and his replacements, Mohamed Elny and Albert Sambi Lokonga, is simply too great and the Egyptian’s injury highlights Arsenal’s lack of depth even more starkly.
Waiting until the summer, when the club hope to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, is now even riskier than it was and means action must be taken before the end of January.
Arsenal’s schedule has been relatively favorable since Christmas but is boosted by a run of four Premier League games in 14 days at the start of February and this is followed by the resumption of their Europa League campaign in March.
Partey’s workload will need to be managed to minimize the risk of injury and that will only be possible if Mikel Arteta is granted his wish for a viable alternative in the 29-year-old’s position.
Arsenal’s appeal in recent years has been focused on the long-term, but at the moment, at the top of the Premier League and with the added weight of upcoming European commitments, a short-term solution is needed.
Follow deadline day with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move on deadline day? The January transfer window closes in 11pm in England and midnight in Scotland On Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Keep up with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our special Transfer Center Blog On Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on the ins and outs Sky Sports News.