‘First contact has been made’: Besiktas interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Jorginho

Besiktas are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in the current transfer window, according to Sports Digitale journalist Sercan Dikme.

The Italy international has been a regular on the bench for the Gunners this term and he has played just over 900 minutes across all competitions.

It is now reported that the 32-year-old was recently recommended by his agent to Besiktas and the response has been positive from the club.

The ‘first contact has been made’ and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can be persuaded to part ways with his services before the deadline.

Arsenal unlikely to offload Jorginho this winter

The Gunners currently have Declan Rice as their go-to choice for the number six position. Jorginho has provided the back-up off the bench when required.

Rice recently picked up a minor knock in the 5-0 rout of Crystal Palace, but it has been reported that he is expected to be fit for the Nottingham Forest trip.

Despite this, Arsenal have no reason to contemplate Jorginho’s exit for a cut-price fee.

The £110,000-a-week star is the immediate deputy to Rice for the defensive midfield role. Thomas Partey has been nursing a thigh injury since the start of November.

The Ghanaian is anticipated to make his comeback soon but considering his injury record, the Gunners would not want to lose Jorginho in the near future.

Unless the hierarchy are prepared to back manager Mikel Arteta with a new midfield signing, we don’t see the possibility of Jorginho heading for the exit door.

Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos has repeatedly said that the midfielder will stay at Arsenal this season. We won’t be surprised if he denies the story reported.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com