Arsenal are set to face a huge battle with Barcelona to rebuild their midfield for the future when it comes to the summer transfer window. The Gunners have begun turning their attention to the central ranks in recent weeks, with injury to Mohamed Elneny prompting them to search the market.
Moises Caicedo was viewed as one option, with the 21-year-old impressing for Brighton while offering plenty of promise for the future. January was far from an ideal time to try and land him though, having two bids rebuffed by the Seagulls, despite his desire to leave.
Jorginho was eventually settled upon as a low-cost option to add quality and depth to the squad for their remaining title push this season. “Jorginho is an established professional with a strong mentality who brings quality and experience into our squad," sporting director Edu said on the signing. "He is a player who fits our style of play, and he joins us at a very good moment where he can contribute in a key position to help maintain our momentum."
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While it may seem a decent signing, the one catch is how short-term it is, given the fact he is 31 years old amid a midfield rank that contains a host of other players at the end of their peak years. As a result, the summer may see the side move back into the market for another central player for the future.
One of those that was linked with filling that role was Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, who the Gunners showed interest in during January, but didn't land. With a reported release clause at £52.8million, the north London outfit could return for the 24-year-old, but Edu may regret not signing him sooner.
That's because Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona are also keen on a potential move in the summer, adding competition to signing him. As of now, the financial situation of the Blaugrana remains unclear, with some restraints over how much they may invest in transfers.
It remains to be seen how this transfer saga will play out, with plenty of occurrences on and off the pitch to come for both sides that are chasing their own return to league title glory.
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