Arsenal have confirmed that one of their experienced midfield heads has signed a new deal at the Emirates.
Former Chelsea Champions League winner Jorginho has formed an integral part of Mikel Arteta's squad since arriving in the final knockings of the January 2023 window, making 51 appearances for the club in all tournaments.
The Italy international has scored one goal and set up three more in that time while also earning numerous plaudits for his composed performances in the number six role, particularly in 2024.
Jorginho put in man-of-the-match displays in home victories over Newcastle United and Liverpool, and his exploits as Arsenal's deepest-lying midfielder have allowed Declan Rice to thrive in a box-to-box role.
The 32-year-old was due to become a free agent this summer, and Arsenal decided against triggering the one-year extension in his previous deal, instead entering negotiations over a fresh contract entirely.
Here to stay ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MSC8u6kmUt
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 9, 2024
Mikel Arteta: 'Role model Jorginho makes everybody better'
Negotiations with the midfielder's camp went smoothly, and Arsenal have now announced Jorginho's renewal, believed to be a new one-year agreement until 2025 without an extension option.
"We're delighted that Jorgi has signed a new contract with us. 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 on the pitch," Arteta told arsenal.com. "We're very pleased that Jorgi and his family have committed with us and we're all excited to continue this journey together."
Meanwhile, sporting director Edu 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's great that Jorginho remains with us, as we continue building to be better and stronger."
Is Jorginho's new deal the right decision?
Jorginho's renewal comes at a time where the Italian veteran has lost his spot in the Gunners' XI to the fit-again Thomas Partey, and the weekend's 3-0 win over Bournemouth was the third time in four matches that he was an unused substitute.
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As such, there may be a couple of fears that Jorginho's renewal will be a repeat of last year's extension for Mohamed Elneny, who has subsequently made just six appearances for the Gunners in the current campaign, although agreeing fresh terms rather than having his old extension triggered suggests that there may be a salary alteration for Jorginho.
The Italy international's on-field influence will almost certainly wane next season, especially with Arsenal pushing to sign a new defensive midfielder in the summer market, but the benefits certainly outweigh the drawbacks on this one.
Firstly, the former Napoli man's injury record is simply unbelievable; statistics from Transfermarkt show that he has never missed more than seven days through fitness issues in his entire career, and he has only sat out one Arsenal game due to injury this season.
That is more than can be said for Elneny and Partey, the former of whom should definitely leave when his deal runs out in the summer, while Partey's terms only have just over 12 months to run, and bids will likely be entertained for the Ghanaian this summer too.
With Jorginho also boasting critical trophy-winning experience and being a model professional for Arsenal's young guns, some of whom he is helping to train as he completes his coaching badges, the 32-year-old sticking around is brilliant news for all concerned.
Ben Knapton
