Jorginho finds it easy to commit his future to Gunners
Jorginho has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new contract, a month before he was due to become a free agent.
The 32-year-old has emerged as an important player for the Gunners since joining from Chelsea in January 2023, making 51 appearances for the club, including 35 this season.
The Italian international’s future in north London appeared uncertain when Arsenal bought Declan Rice and Kai Havertz last summer but he has featured more prominently in Mikel Arteta’s plans as the campaign has progressed.
Jorginho confirmed that the atmosphere at Arsenal and the connection he has forged with the club’s supporters were key factors behind his decision to extend his stay.
“I’m really, really happy to stay, because it’s a privilege to be a part of this family,” he said. “My family is happy, we are really well settled and I feel that I have more to do.
“It means a lot,” he added, on his relationship with the fans. “And that’s one more reason for signing the contract because I want to give more to them because they’ve been giving a lot of affection and support to me. All I want is to give it back.”
Jorginho won four major honours during his time with Chelsea, including the Champions League in 2021, and will be hoping to lift his first trophy with Arsenal this month as they challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
“I’d say that we are enjoying it because it’s a beautiful journey,” he said. “It’s a special moment, a special thing we’ve been doing, and I think we need to push and enjoy the moment, every single day.
“To be where we are, we worked hard. So much! We did so much and we need to be proud of what we’ve been doing. We need to trust what we’re doing and believe it.”
“We’re delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us,” Arteta said. “Jorgi is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills and a unique playing style ability which makes everybody better around him.
“We’re very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we’re all excited to continue this journey together.”
Sporting director Edu Gaspar added: “We’re very happy to have Jorgi sign a contract extension with us. He represents what we stand for here at Arsenal with his professionalism and success.
“I know everyone at the club will be very excited that Jorgi will continue to be with us, not only the players and coaches, but all the staff behind the scenes as well.”
It might not seem like it, considering Martin Odegaard, Rice and Havertz are all aged 25 or under, but central midfield is an area that Arsenal need to revamp over the next few transfer windows.
There are only four players over the age of 30 in Arteta’s squad and three play in that position: Jorginho (32), Mohamed Elneny (31) and Thomas Partey (30). They will all celebrate their next birthday before the end of this year.
Elneny, the club’s longest-serving player, is out of contract at the end of June and expected to leave, while Partey is entering the final 12 months of his deal and is admired by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Although Arsenal are expected to reinforce their midfield in the summer – Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa are all believed to be on their shortlist – securing Jorginho’s services lessens the immediate need for a major overhaul.
He is also an experienced and influential member of a young dressing room. Arteta clearly felt that it was important to retain those qualities as Arsenal attempt to bridge the gap from being a top team to one that consistently wins trophies.
“I try to give everything I can of myself, to everyone around,” Jorginho said.
“Sometimes that can be a cuddle, sometimes it can be words, sometimes show them something.
“So I just try to help as much as I can in any situation. I feel that everyone here can count on me. I will always be there for them.”
He may not start every game, but Jorginho is a key player for Arteta and Arsenal. Keeping him was a no-brainer.
Jorgi is such an important part of our team, a role model with great leadership skills