Arsenal transfer news: 'Decision made' over Jorginho January stance

When the midfielder departed Chelsea for the Emirates Stadium in January 2023, there was an air of uncertainty over whether he would prove to be a valuable addition.

In making 35 starts and 25 substitute outings in all competitions, the 32-year-old can claim to have justified his £12m transfer fee at a time when Mikel Arteta has not always had a fully-fit squad at his disposal.

The most recent of the aforementioned starts came as recently as Saturday afternoon as the Gunners recorded a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

However, as well as lasting just 45 minutes in that fixture, Jorginho has not completed 90 minutes for the North Londoners in the top flight since September.

What is Jorginho's transfer status?

There has been widespread speculation regarding Jorginho's Arsenal future for a number of months, a consequence of his deal lasting until the end of the season.

Although Arsenal possess the option of a further 12 months, Jorginho's wages make it far from a certainty that he will remain at the club for 2025-26.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal have already decided that they will not be entertaining any offers for the Italy international at the start of 2025.

Turkish giants Besiktas have recently been credited with an interest in the experienced enforcer as they bid to close the gap on the likes of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

Nevertheless, Arsenal are of the opinion that retaining Jorginho's presence in the squad is more important than parting ways for a cut-price fee.

Jorginho is also seemingly of the opinion that he is content to bide his time regarding the next phase of his career, whether that be at Arsenal or elsewhere.

Still a part to play?

As well as making three starts and one substitute outing in the Premier League, Jorginho has topped up his minutes with four appearances in the Champions League and EFL Cup.

Although he finds himself behind Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in the pecking order, Jorginho will still be granted regular action under Arteta.

That especially rings true ahead of a hectic winter schedule, with Arsenal remaining in the EFL Cup and being due to enter the FA Cup in January.