Jorginho transfer news: Fenerbahce look to unhappy Arsenal midfielder

After helping Arsenal to a dramatic victory over Manchester United in Sunday's headline-grabbing Premier League encounter, Jorginho may have played his final game for the Gunners.

Sources close to the midfielder indicate the 31-year-old is unhappy at the limited playing time on offer in north London and Turkish giants Fenerbahce are preparing to offer an enticing alternative.

Jorginho
Photo by Icon Sport.

While the English transfer window closed on Friday night, the Turkish window remains open until mid-September and Fenerbahce are in negotiations with Arsenal over a €7-8m deal for Jorginho.

They are ready to offer a 2+1 year contract to the player with an annual wage of €4m. Sources indicate that the personal terms will not be a problem between the Italian and Fenerbahce.

Transfer News: Why do Fenerbahce want Jorginho?

Fenerbahce already have a variety of names familiar to Premier League fans, with Manchester United midfielder Fred the latest to join the UEFA Europa Conference League side. Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko and Michy Batshuayi are also there.

Exclusive Football Transfers News | Fred in action for new club Fenerbahce.
Photo by Icon Sport

With Fred already brought in to bolster their midfield, the Turkish team are keen to sign a number six to complete the puzzle.

Although his playing time has been limited at the start of this season, Jorginho has been one of Europe's most consistent midfielders over the last half-decade. In 213 Chelsea appearances, he helped the Blues to two European trophies and was named Player of the Year in the 2020/21 season.

Would it be a good deal for Arsenal?

A €7-8m fee would represent a major step-down in value after Arsenal paid local rivals Chelsea £12 million for Jorginho back in January.

Mikel Arteta sought reinforcements in the winter window as his side led the Premier League table, but Jorginho's 16 appearances in the second half of the season couldn't help the Gunners stave off the challenge of the treble-winning Manchester City.

Since losing out on the title to Pep Guardiola's City, Arsenal have made major investment, signing Declan Rice from West Ham for a record-breaking £105m and bringing in Jorginho's old Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz.

Both Rice and Havertz have played almost every minute for Arteta in the five games so far this season, while Jorginho has been given a total of just 18 minutes across three substitute appearances against Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United.

The question is how highly Arteta still values the qualities offered by the former Napoli man. With Arsenal's return to the UEFA Champions League this season, they will endure a much tougher fixture schedule than last season and the depth provided by Jorginho may be crucial.

Quite how crucial is made clearer by the recent long-term injury to Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. Joringho was brought in specifically to cover for Partey, and with yet another injury for the ex-Atletico Madrid man, it seems unlikely Arteta will be willing to weaken his options without the opportunity to bring in a replacement.

Will other Premier League players move to Turkey?

Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks with Galatasaray, Fenerbahce's rivals, about potential moves for Tanguy Ndombele and Davinson Sanchez.

With a couple of weeks left in the Turkish window, there will no doubt be more news to come as Premier League clubs look to minimise their spending on wages and build a transfer kitty ahead of January.

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