Arsenal player says he’s “definitely” up for transfer – Timing of it key, could be quickly

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has admitted he is “definitely” up for a return to Italy if such a transfer were to present itself.

The midfielder has been speaking to the media ahead of Italy’s upcoming clashes with North Macedonia and Ukraine in European qualifying.

He’s back as part of the squad under Luciano Spalletti, having impressed for Arsenal again in recent weeks as part of the midfield alongside Declan Rice.

Jorginho has only been with the Gunners since an €11.3m move from Chelsea in January this year as Mikel Arteta brought him to aid their title push last season.

He finds himself playing a more reduced role in the squad this season thanks to the arrival of Rice, who has established himself as the key man in Arteta’s midfield set up.

That doesn’t mean he is out of the picture entirely, far from it, but with his current deal expiring in June next year, a decision will have to be made over his future soon.

Arsenal do hold the option to extend his contract by another year but whether they decide to do so or allow the 31-year-old to move on remains to be seen. If it is the latter, it seems Jorginho is more than happy to return to Italy after nearly six years in England.

“I miss Italy and I would like to return,” he said.

“In fact, I will definitely return, but I don’t know if next summer will be the right time. Because I’m happy at Arsenal and I still have things to do.”