Despite only joining Arsenal in the January transfer window, midfielder Jorginho was linked with a move to Lazio in the early stages of the summer transfer window.
But the move always seemed unlikely, particularly with the reports of potential exits for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
Speaking out on the rumours for the first time, Jorginho told the Evening Standard that he doesn’t even know how they came about. As it stands, he fully intends to stay at Arsenal.
“I’m very happy to stay at Arsenal, to be honest,” Jorginho said.
“Those rumours, I’m not sure who was behind it, to be honest, but nothing at the moment has happened to me. I’m quite happy where I am.
“I hope we can do even better next year. It’s been a while [since Arsenal have been in the Champions League]. Everyone is very excited. Everyone can’t wait to play with the ball with the stars. It’s going to be an exciting season for sure.”
The quotes confirm a statement from Jorginho’s agent Joao Santos earlier this week, where he made it clear Arsenal were the only club in their plans for 2023/24.
“It’s not about the interest of Lazio or their budget… I can confirm that Jorginho is very happy at Arsenal,” Santos said.
“In our plans, it’s only Arsenal for next season. No negotiations with Lazio.”
Santo had previously confirmed that Jorginho has an option to extend his contract at Arsenal to 2025.
“Six beautiful months. Next year he will play in the Champions League,” Santos said earlier in the summer.
“Have we already talked about the renewal of the contract? Not yet. We have a contract – with an option – until 2025. For now, we are calm.”
Jorginho quickly broke into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side in the wake of a couple of injuries in February, making starts against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Everton.
But the former Chelsea man then lost his place in the team as Arteta reverted to the midfield that he’d been using for most of the season.
Just when it looked like Jorginho’s move might have been ill-advised, the Italian international broke back into the team in May, starting Arsenal’s final five games of the season.
Arsenal will now return to the Champions League, and Jorginho will be one of the few players who already has experience in the competition.
After that, Arsenal will be able to decide whether or not to extend his contract and keep him around for another year.
