Arsenal veteran 'in talks' over January transfer which could lead to Lionel Messi battle

The former Chelsea and Napoli man has entered the last six months of his existing contract with Arsenal, who could therefore lose him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

However, the Gunners also possess the option to keep him on the books for a further 12 months, having inserted an extension clause when they tied him down to a new deal last spring.

As things stand, though, Jorginho can enter talks with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement, and it is unclear whether Arsenal plan to activate their 12-month option given that he is now 33.

Jorginho has unsurprisingly only been a bit-part player for Mikel Arteta's side in the current campaign, making 17 appearances across all competitions but only starting six matches in the Premier League.

Palmeiras 'hold talks' with Jorginho agent

According to ESPN, the Italy international has now been offered to Palmeiras by his agents, who have been holding talks with the South American powerhouses over a potential January deal.

Jorginho himself is also considering whether to exit the Emirates this month, and Palmeiras are one of two Brazilian teams that the lynchpin would consider representing, alongside Fluminense.

Joining Palmeiras in January would give Jorginho the chance to play in the 2025 Club World Cup, where Palmeiras will square off with Al Ahly, Porto and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the group stage.

The report adds that Palmeiras have not yet made an official offer to Arsenal or Jorginho despite conducting negotiations with the latter's camp, but a formal bid has not been ruled out.

The Gunners prised Jorginho away from Chelsea for £9.5m during the January 2023 window, and the experienced midfielder has registered one goal and three assists in 69 matches for the North London giants in all tournaments.

Should Arsenal entertain Jorginho bids this month?

Jorginho might not be high up Arteta's midfield pecking order, but when it comes to dictating the tempo from the middle and controlling the pace of the game, there are arguably few better in the Gunners' ranks.

The 33-year-old could not prevent Arsenal from suffering a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final in midweek, but he demonstrated his exceptional vision with a few delicate passes over the top for his teammates to chase.

Furthermore, Arsenal should not be desperate to sell Jorginho from a financial point of view, and the Italian is also working towards his UEFA A coaching licence at London Colney.

Should the injury-prone Thomas Partey pick up another problem between now and the end of the season, Jorginho could have a pivotal role to play, so no bids should be considered this month.

Partey's own deal expires in June too, and Gunners expert Charles Watts recently gave an update on the Ghanaian's situation to Sports Mole.

Written by

Ben Knapton