Transfer Centre

Jorginho confirms he is staying at Arsenal this summer

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 June 2023

Italian midfielder Jorginho reveals that he is staying with Arsenal this summer, ending the speculation surrounding a possible move.

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has firmly rejected suggestions that he could leave the Emirates Stadium during this summer's transfer window.

The 31-year-old arrived at the club from Chelsea in January, and he made 16 appearances for the Gunners in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.

Jorginho only has another year left to run on his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and there has been speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Arsenal are on the verge of securing a big-money deal for West Ham United Declan Rice, which could make it difficult for Jorginho to gain regular starts next term, but Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are currently being linked with moves away from Mikel Arteta's side.

Jorginho has revealed that he will stay with the Gunners this summer, with the Italian "very excited" for the 2023-24 campaign, where the club will look to launch another strong challenge for the Premier League title.

Arsenal's Jorginho reacts on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

"To be honest, I was surprised but really happy by how welcome I was, how (Arsenal) treated me when I came in," Jorginho told the Evening Standard.

"It just made everything so much easier for me to know more people to integrate in the team. So it was really, really, really good and I am really, really happy.

"I'm very happy to stay at Arsenal to be honest. Those rumours, I'm not sure who was behind it, to be honest, but nothing at the moment has happened to me. I'm quite happy where I am. That (missing out on the title) was painful. Of course, at the beginning of the season no one expected Arsenal to be where they were.

"Anyone at the beginning of the season would sign off that you are going to finish the League in second. Everyone would say straight away: 'Yes'. But then once you are there and fighting for it, then it's a bit frustrating and painful.

Italy midfielder Jorginho in action against Belgium at Euro 2020 on July 2, 2021 © Reuters

"I think we will have a lot to learn about everything we do and it's a lesson. I hope we can do even better next year. It's been a while [since Arsenal have been in the Champions League].

"Everyone is very excited. Everyone can't wait to play with the ball with the stars. It's going to be an exciting season for sure."

Jorginho, who has been linked with a summer move to Lazio, made 213 appearances for Chelsea during his time at the club, scoring 29 goals and contributing eight assists in the process.

Arsenal will begin their pre-season against Nurnberg on July 13, with the team building towards their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest on August 12.

The Gunners will also be in action in the Community Shield against treble winners Manchester City on August 6, having finished second in the 2022-23 Premier League table.