In search of a pivot midfielder for the summer, Barcelona have been linked with a host of players in recent months, one of whom happened to be Arsenal veteran Jorginho.
The Italian midfielder is in the final few months of his contract, sparking rumours of a possible transfer to Catalonia in the summer.
Jorginho to renew with Arsenal
However, now according to The Athletic (h/t SPORT), Jorginho appears likely to sign a new contract and stay at Arsenal, putting an end to any hopes of Barcelona signing him.
The player has already told his agent to negotiate the renewal offer that the Gunners have made to him.
Barça have been linked with Jorginho for quite some time now. His agent, Joao Santos, has visited the club’s offices on several occasions in the past to try and get a possible deal for the player.
There was no way to reach an agreement at the time with Mateu Alemany and now it seems that it will not be possible with the Deco-Xavi tandem either.
Just a few weeks ago, Santos himself claimed to be handling proposals to return to Italy or start a new adventure in the Spanish league.
However, Jorginho has always said that he is very comfortable at Arsenal and was in favour of waiting, in the first instance, the movements of the Gunners before analysing offers outside England.
What next for Barcelona?
While Jorginho was indeed an option that Barcelona had been keeping tabs on, Deco and Xavi have other priority targets when it comes to the defensive midfield position.
Martin Zubimendi continues to be the preferred option for Xavi, although his €60 million release clause makes things difficult.
Deco, on the other hand, likes Everton’s Amadou Onana a lot, but finances and the Toffees’ safety in the Premier League make the deal near impossible.
Guido Rodriguez appears likely to arrive on a free transfer, but there will most probably be another No. 6 added, finances permitting.
