Jorginho 'to reject Serie A return to stay at Arsenal'

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho reportedly has no plans to leave the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window.

At the turn of the year, Jorginho made one of the more shocking switches of the January equivalent, ending his association with Chelsea to move across London.

The Gunners struck a deal in the hope that the Italy international could help inspire them to a Premier League title triumph, banking on the player's leadership skills and passing ability in the centre of the pitch.

For £12m, Jorginho provided value for money, making nine starts and five substitute outings in the top flight, but Arsenal fell short as Manchester City claimed the title with three games to spare.

When penning a deal with the North London outfit, Jorginho only signed an 18-month contract, and he is now about to enter the final year of his terms.

© Reuters

That scenario comes at a time when Mikel Arteta is known to be in the market for fresh faces, including Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia from West Ham United and Southampton respectively.

Nevertheless, despite the prospect of that double arrival, the Evening Standard says that the 31-year-old plans on spending the upcoming campaign at his current club.

Since the end of the campaign, it has been claimed that Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on a reunion with Jorginho, who he managed during their time at Napoli.

The pair also worked together during Sarri's one and only season at Stamford Bridge, and another stint together at some stage in Jorginho's career appears to be a realistic possibility.

© Reuters

However, the report says that Jorginho currently has no intention of returning to Serie A ahead of 2023-24, instead preferring to fight for his place under Arteta.

Despite Rice and Lavia potentially moving to Arsenal in due course, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are expected to be sold over the coming weeks to facilitate such arrivals.

Barring further signings, that would effectively leave Jorginho in a similar place in the pecking order to last season, where he will be presented with regular game time given Arsenal's qualification for the Champions League.

Arsenal also possess the option of activating a one-year option on Jorginho's contract, something which may be taken up with Jorginho said to be happy with life in England's capital.